SA journalist kidnapped in Syria

Aid organization Gift of the Givers says Mohamed was kidnapped four days ago, while on his way to the Turkish border.

According to Gift of the Givers, an unknown number of men stopped them on route to Turkey, and pointed at them with firearms.

Mohamed and two Gift of the Givers staff members were then blindfolded and driven to an unknown destination. 

The Gift of the Givers staffers were later released, and told there is misunderstanding with Mohamed that needs to be cleared up.

The men said that Mohamed would be released in two days' time, but has not been seen since.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it is not able to verify the kidnapping at this point.

DIRCO spokesperson Nelson Kgwete says the South African government does not have and embassy in Syria.

"We will make use of our missions in the neighbouring countries to use other sources within Syria to verify the incident," says Kgwete.