Vigil for photojournalist’s safe return
A NIGHT vigil to pray for the safe return of abducted photojournalist Shiraaz Mohamed was held in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, yesterday.
Mohamed’s ex-wife, Shirley Brijlal, said the family were going through a hard time as they had received no news as to the whereabouts of Mohamed, who was abducted by armed men in Syria last week.
“It’s becoming scarier. His mom and sisters will not be attending the night vigil. They send their heartfelt gratitude and hope the vigil and the public support will add momentum to the efforts being made to find Shiraaz,” she said in a statement.
“It is all becoming too overwhelming for myself and Shiraaz’s family. What do we say every time someone asks how we are doing?
“We are paralysed with worry and concern for Shiraaz. 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.”
The family thanked South Africans and the media for their support. South African aid group Gift of the Givers said Mohamed was kidnapped on Tuesday last week on a “relatively safe route” near a medical facility operated by the organisation.
The kidnappers put guns to the heads of two aid workers who were with Mohamed, then blindfolded all three and drove with the captives for an hour, said Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman.
The gunmen freed the two aid workers, but said they would question Mohamed to clear up an unspecified “misunderstanding” and, according to Sooliman, would release him at a Gift of the Givers facility after two days.
There has since been no communication from the kidnappers.
The vigil was held at the Lenasia South Civic Centre last night. – ANA