By Ashok Ramsarup :: South African freelance photo-journalist SHIRAAZ MOHAMED is expected to be reunited with his family soon after being held captive by gunmen in Syria for almost two years. Pietermaritzburg-based non-governmental organisation – Gift of the Givers – has received news from unknown sources that Mohammed is free.
Gift of the Givers Chief Executive Officer Dr ImtiazSooliman said the details were sketchy, but were told that Mohammed had escaped from captivity and had been assisted by what he described by “friendly” people who were quite aware of his case following the huge publicity the non-governmental organisation initiated around the world of Mohammed’s capture.
40-year-old Mohamed, who hails from Johannesburg, went missing in Syria since the 10th January 2017 whilst on a mission for the Gift of the Givers. Dr Sooliman hoped that the South African government brings joy to the family as the country observes Day of Reconciliation.
He indicated that International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor and Consular Services were notified about the latest developments after a caller informed that Mohamed was handed over to Turkish Intelligence, but details were sketchy. Its reported that Mohamed who was taken by unidentified armed men, was on a mission to capture the suffering of people in war-torn Syria.
Mohammed is a distinguished photo-journalist whose pictures featured prominently in the New York Times. He travelled to a dozen countries. Mohammed also covered the earthquake in Nepal. His desire had been to tell the story no matter how complex through the lens.
Ashok Ramsarup is award-winning senior journalist of South Africa