Kidnappers of S. African Journalist demand $1.5 million

JOHANNESBURG

Captors of a South African photo-journalist Shiraaz Mohamed who was kidnapped in Darkoush in Syria have demanded a ransom of $1.5 million for his release, relief agency Gift of the Givers said Saturday.

Dr Imtiaaz Sooliman, founder of the relief agency, said the captors called his organization this week to commence negotiations for the journalist's release.

Last week, the captors sent a proof of life video to the relief organization. In the video, Mohamed is seen sitting down as a masked gunman stands next to him. He makes an appeal to the world to assist in securing his release.

“I live in fear of my life. I am scared. The area that I am in has been bombed by the Russian air force; bombs are getting closer and closer. I need your help, please help me,” he pleads in the proof-of-life video.

The Gift of the Givers said Saturday they had told Mohamed’s captors their demand of $1.5 million was too high, but the gunmen said it was negotiable.

“We stated that Shiraaz's family does not have the means, nor is Shiraaz an employee of a large corporate company that could assist with payment and the South African government will not pay,” the relief agency said.

Gift of the Givers said they are currently engaging with religious leaders to provide letters requesting the unconditional release of Shiraaz immediately, to prevent a tragedy.