The humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers, has released what it says is the latest “proof of life” video of South African paramedic, Gerco van Deventer, being held captive in Mali.
Gift of the Givers founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, says their negotiator, Mohamed Yehia Dicko, has received a video about Van Deventer that was recorded on the 26th of May 2023.
Sooliman says Dicko is currently in Mali and in discussion with intermediaries to influence the captors to release Van Deventer unconditionally. He also says this is an important week in securing Van Deventer’s release.
By the 3rd of June, Van Deventer would be in captivity for 5 years and 7 months after being sold to Al-Qaeda from Libya.
Van Deventer, from Swellendam in the Western Cape, was a paramedic in Libya when he was kidnapped in 2017 and subsequently sold to Al-Qaeda in Mali.
“Good day. Today is the 26th of May 2023. My name Gert Jacobus (Gerco) van Deventer. As far as I know, I am the only South African held hostage by JIM and held in the north of Mali. I am requesting urgent help and assistance to facilitate and activate any action that can lead to my release. I do not know of my family’s whereabouts and their well-being. I am requesting any assistance to facilitate help me, build a bridge to reach the outside world for me to gain what taken from me, freedom, and liberty,” says Van Deventer in a video.
