SA man held in Syria alive, Gift of the Givers told
SOUTH African photographer Shiraaz Mahomed‚ who was captured in Syria a year ago‚ is still alive‚ the Gift of the Givers said yesterday.
Spokesman Imtiaz Sooliman said the group had received a call on December 26 from people claiming to have the photographer.
“We responded that the test of surety is a list of questions that Gift of the Givers had prepared in consultation with Shiraaz’s family,” Sooliman said.
“The caller said, ‘send the questions‚ you will have the answers soon’.
“Last week the call came again: ‘My man is in Syria‚ he has met Shiraaz‚ the questions have been answered. We await his return’. ”
Sooliman said Mahomed’s family were satisfied with the responses and that they had been answered by him.
“On Monday, we received the message that Shiraaz gives Salaams [greetings] for his mother and family and to Gift of the Givers‚ he is happy with the questions and wants to be released.”
Mahomed was captured in Syria near the Turkish border on January 10 last year.
Sooliman said they still had no idea who his captors were.
“Mahomed’s capture was mystifying. Two drivers who were held with him but immediately released were told that Mahomed was being held for questioning to clear a misunderstanding and would be released,” he said.
“This didn’t happen. No demands were made to ensure Mahomed’s release‚ neither was there any clarity on why he was being kept captive.”