Hope for S African Indian-origin scribe abducted in Syria

South African adventurer Stephen McGown's release after over five years of captivity in Mali has sparked renewed hope for the safe homecoming of Indian-origin photojournalist Shiraaz Mohamed who was abducted near the Turkish border earlier this year.
McGowan, who was held captive in 2011 along with several other foreign nationals as he cycled his way through Africa, returned home yesterday after unrelenting efforts by the renowned humanitarian organisation 'Gift of the Givers', started by Indian-origin South African Imtiaz Sooliman 30 years ago, and interventions from the governments of both the countries.
Mohamed was abducted in January by a group of armed men near the Syrian border with Turkey almost six months ago while on a humanitarian trip with the 'Gift of the Givers'.

There has been no information on Mohamed's whereabouts or claims by any rebel forces of responsibility for his abduction at gunpoint after the vehicle he was travelling in was blocked in on the eve of his departure from Syria.
Sooliman said 'Gift of the Givers' representatives in Syria were continuing their efforts to find any possible information about Mohamed.
South African Department of State Security spokesperson Brian Dube told the The Star today that even though the circumstances of Mohamed's capture were different from that of McGown, the government was still working tirelessly to try to secure the photojournalist's safe return.

"The government's position has always been the same... that whoever goes missing or gets kidnapped outside the country, it will always play a role to try to get them back," Dube said.
"I can confirm that we are seized with this matter in trying to assist. We are working as a team led by Dirco (Department of International Relations and Co-operation), because this is an international matter. And, of course, state security will also play its role in trying to bring back Mohamed. It's a team effort," he added.