South African journalist to return home after escaping Syrian captors

South African photojournalist Shiraaz Mohamed is reported to be returning home, three years after he was kidnapped by Islamic State militants in Syria. 

A report by Reuters confirmed that Mr Mohamed has been aided in his escape by the Turkish intelligence agency. As yet there has been no comment from South Africa’s foreign ministry or the Turkish government. 

Initial reports of Mr Mohamed’s escape were conferred by Gift of the Givers, a non-profit organisation which sought to negotiate Mr Mohamed’s release with his captors. The organisation claimed that Mr Mohamed had escaped from captivity and been helped by ‘friendly people’ who had been made aware of his case by the non-profit. 

Mr Mohamed was abducted in Syria in January 2017 while documenting the country’s brutal civil war. His kidnappers demanded a ransom of US$1.5 million in exchange for his release in April 2019. 

In August last year a video was released depicting the journalist pleading for his life.

"My government, my friends, anyone watching this video that can help me, please help me. My life is still in danger”, Mohamed said. 

Photo credit: AFP