BREAKING - Shiraaz Mohamed still alive: Gift of the Givers
Aid organisation Gift of the Givers says it has received information that South African photographer Shiraaz Mohamed is still alive.
Mohamed was kidnapped by gunmen near the Turkish border in Syria 13 days ago.
Gift of the Givers' Imtiaaz Sooliman says they have created a task team to deal strategically with Mohamed's kidnapping.
Sooliman says Yemeni Anas al Hamati is their negotiator. He has previous experience in similiar situations, is an Arab and understands the culture and language.
"We have received excellent co-operation through 'connected' people who, through their own individual research and 'networks' have confirmed that Shiraaz is alive (just their word on this but no proof of life), they confirm the group that is holding him (though there is discrepancy between the different members of this group), they know the location where Shiraaz is held," says Sooliman.
Sooliman says from all their interactions with the different people - including a high profile Syrian journalist - it appears that their information is credible.
"We can't independently verify it as yet but we are not ignoring it. In the next 48 hours we are expecting more information so we wait patiently. We have a very decisive plan and will use it as leverage if the need arises," says Sooliman.
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Sooliman says no one understands why Mohamed was taken, but they want resolve the issue diplomatically and amicably.
"It may be a case of mistaken identity so we are allowing a little more time for the processes to unfold in the best interests of Shiraaz," says Sooliman.
Sooliman says they also have Mohamed's belongings, his laptop and camera.