The family of South African photojournalist Shiraaz Mohamed, who was captured in Syria whilst travelling with humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers more than two years ago, is said to be ecstatic with a new video that appears to show that Mohamed is still alive.

The video purports to show the photojournalist appealing for help from the likes of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Gift of the Givers founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, whilst holding a white piece of paper with “Saturday, 13/04/2019” written on it.

It is believed to be the date that the video, which was sent to Gift of the Givers, was filmed.

Via News24, here’s the video:

Mohamed was captured on the way back to the Turkish border, along with two drivers, although they were released immediately and told that Mohamed was being held for questioning.

“Shiraaz’s family was very emotional, ecstatic, full of hope and grateful to the Almighty. They knew for certain that Shiraaz was alive,” Sooliman said explaining how the family felt after watching the video…

“A photojournalist, with a passion to document the hardships of communities in distress, he wanted to narrate the tragedy of the Syrian people to the world through pictures. Shiraaz has been accused of being a foreign spy, a disingenuous way to justify the captivity of an innocent man,” Sooliman said.

The second most recent ‘proof of life’ was received way back in January 2018, when the family sent 10 “very personal questions” that only Mohamed would know the answers to, and received accurate answers in return.

Sooliman said that his teams have been working with the International Relations Department during the negotiation process, but couldn’t give any kind of timeline on when Mohamed might be released.

[source:news24]