Dirco working with Syria to bring Shiraaz Mohammed home
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation says the request to release South African photographer Shiraaz Mohamed was not made to the South African government, but to the NGO’s involved in finding him.
Bakar al Maharmeh from the Truth Collective South Africa told Jacaranda FM they have established that Mohamed is alive and being held by Jahhat al Nursa in Idlib in Syria.
He has been missing for five weeks.
Dirco spokesperson Nelson Kgwete says the department is working with the Syrian government to bring Mohamed home.
"The rebels who kidnapped Mohamed have demanded the Syrian government release four men in order for them to release him. This demand was made through the various NGO’s involved in bringing Mohamed home,” Kgwete says.
Al Maharmeh says despite the crimes committed by the four men, the Syrian government has agreed to negotiate with the rebels to maintain a good relationship with South Africa.