[LISTEN] A phone call from a fleeing Shiraaz Mohamed in Syria – 'the moment I heard his voice again'
The family of South African photographer, Shiraaz Mohamed, are on edge as they wait for confirmation of his exact whereabouts.
Mohamed managed to escape from captivity in Syria over the past weekend and fled across the border to Turkey.
He was captured in January 2017 while working in Syria.
His captors have since demanded a ransom of $1.5 million.
Mohamed’s ex-wife, Shirley Brijlal, told Jacaranda FM News of the moment she received a phone call from Syria early Saturday afternoon.
“It took me a few moments to understand what was happening. It was an emotional rollercoaster to hear his voice,” said an emotion Brijlal.
LISTEN:
Brijlal said they are in constant contact with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in an attempt to confirm Mohamed’s whereabouts in Turkey.
“Consular services have been very helpful. I am assuming because of the public holiday (Day of Reconciliation) and it being a weekend, that this will take a little bit of time."
She said even though it is an anxious waiting game, the family find solace in the knowledge that Mohamed is in safe hands in Turkey.
International Relations could not yet be reached for comment on the talks underway with Turkish authorities to secure the safe return of Mohamed.