Lenasia community to hold night vigil for Shiraaz Mohamed
The Lenasia South community will be holding a night vigil for kidnapped South African photographer Shiraaz Mohamed at the civic centre from 7:30pm this evening.
Shiraaz, who was on assignment for aid-organisation Gift of the Givers, was kidnapped by an unknown group of gunmen near the Turkish border in Syria last Tuesday.
He has not been seen since with no group claiming responsibility for his kidnapping.
As the search for Mohamed continues, Gift of the Givers' Imtiaaz Sooliman remains optimistic.
"We are widening the search and getting more and more people involved. The more know about it, the better the chances of finding Shiraaz sooner rather than later," says Sooliman.
A British group based in Syria has pledged to help with the search for Mohammed.
"Some of those friends came to the Gift of the Givers' hospital. They met my coordinator from Turkey and they said they will share information and they will take Shiraaz's picture and circulate it amongst their networks," says Sooliman.
Meanwhile, Mohamed's family has thanked South Africans for their support and understanding.
Mohamed's ex-wife, Shirley Brijlal says it becomes more and more devastating as the hours go past.
"All we can do is hold on to our Creator and know that His will is being done to bring Shiraaz safely back to us," says Brijlal.
Brijlal says Mohamed's mother and sisters will not be attending the night vigil tonight.
"They send their heartfelt gratitude and hope this vigil and the public support will add momentum to the efforts being made to find Shiraaz. You all remain in our prayers as a family," says Brijlal.