Radio Islam International – 2019/03/11

An attorney has confirmed that a South African doctor was killed in war-stricken Syria, after a reported air strike hit the refugee camp he was operating in.

Attorney Yousha Tayob told Radio Islam that Dr Feroz Ganchi was in the area when the air strike hit, killing the surgeon who was stationed in Syria.

Tayob says Ganchi was involved in medical, Islamic and humanitarian work in Syria.

“Feroz was a completely committed individual to humanitarian work. He knew that he needed to use his medical skills for the benefit of people around him. Later in life, he understood what his real purpose was and he implemented what he believed to bring pleasure to Allah in doing what he did. He was very committed.”

In a message being circulated on Whatsapp, it’s reported that Ganchi’s son is missing, while his psychiatrist wife Safiya Ibrahim and their daughter, are still in the camp.

Tayob says that if they would like to return back to South Africa, all relevant channels and assistance would be made available to them.

“At this stage we don’t even know where they are, if they do want to return. We remain available to assist them to return.”

Tayob adds that the case has been reported and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) are aware of the family’s situation.

“DIRCO has been very cordial in their relationship with us and has indicated they will do whatever they can to assist.”

Back in 2009, Ganchi was reportedly arrested by Egyptian officials at the Rafah border with the Gaza Strip and deported to South Africa.

According to the report, “he was one of 26 medical personnel on a humanitarian mission to help people wounded in Gaza, a trip organised by South African disaster relief NGO Gift of the Givers.”

Listen to Attorney Yousha Tayob speak to Radio Islam: