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Another video has been released that shows kidnapped South African, Gerco van Deventer, pleading for help. Van Deventer has been held in Mali for five years now, ever since his abduction on 3 November 2017.

The video was received by Gift of the Givers on the same day it was recorded. Gift of the Givers said their negotiator, Mohamed Yehia Dicko, received the video, which was recorded on 26 May.

“I am requesting any assistance to facilitate, help me build a bridge to the outside world.”

Gift of the Givers sent the video on to DIRCO, who are perhaps currently too busy kissing Russia’s a** to assist abducted South Africans abroad. Or as Gift of the Givers chairperson and founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman explains:

“Dicko is currently in Mali in discussion with intermediaries and important role players to influence the captors to release Van Deventer unconditionally. This is an extremely important week for the process as we pray and hope for the best. On 3 June, Van Deventer will have been in captivity for five years and seven months.”

In the video, Van Deventer urges South Africa to help him, saying that he is the only South African being held by the JNIN in the north of Mali.

“I am requesting urgent help and assistance to facilitate and activate any action leading to my release. I don’t know of my family’s whereabouts or their wellbeing. I am requesting any assistance to facilitate, help me build a bridge to the outside world, to gain what was taken from me, my freedom and liberty.”

The father of three was working as a paramedic in Libya when he was abducted. Gift of the Givers received the video directly from al-Qaeda. Dicko is talking to intermediaries and people of influence with the hope that in the next few days, they can convince al-Qaeda to release Van Deventer unconditionally, as there are no funds to pay any ransom.

The captors requested a ransom of around $500 000 (R9.5 million) for Van Deventer’s release.

Watch the ‘proof of life’ video below:

We hope Gift of the Givers manages to secure Van Deventer’s release. One can only imagine how long the last five years have been for him and his family.

[source:news24]