Al Qaeda to make a final decision over captured SA paramedic

Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers, say they have received final confirmation from the captors of South African paramedic Gerco van Deventer, that the decisional process over his release is underway.

Van Deventer was captured six and a half years ago whilst working as a paramedic in Libya but is currently being held captive in Northern Mali.

AN ATTEMPT TO POSITIVELY INFLUENCE CAPTORS
The NGO, say hostage negotiator Mohamed Yehia Dicko, is trying to garner the support of surrounding tribal leaders and elders who may be able to influence the captors positively.

Gift of the givers say they appealed to JNIM (Al Qaeda in Mali) in April during Ramadan( the month of Mercy), to release van Deventer unconditionally and without randsom.

Gift of the Givers hostage negotiator Mohamed Yehia Dicko
“Two months have passed since Ramadan and the feedback we have received on various occasions is that they are looking into what’s possible”, they said in a statement.

Mali State Security has offered Gift of the Givers total co-operation and have requested South African State Security to send an official letter to them requesting assistance in the matter of Gerco van Deventer.

VAN DEVENTER’S PLEA
In May, Gift of the Givers receive a video plea from van Deventer pleading for assistance with his release.

“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 or their well-being. I am requesting assistance to facilitate and help me build a bridge to with the outside world, for me to gain what was taken from me, my freedom and liberty.”

Gerco van Deventer proof of life video.Facebook: Paramedics Plea: The Gerco van Deventer Story
The family of van Deventer is currently crowdfunding, to aid the father of three to rebuild his life upon his return. The crowdfunding page opened on Click ‘n Donate two weeks ago has already seen R13 250 raised, as the family target to reach R9million.

Al Qaeda to make a final decision over captured SA paramedic (thesouthafrican.com)

GERCO VAN DEVENTER, SOUTH AFRICAN BORN PARAMEDIC, HUSBAND AND FATHER OF THREE IS CURRENTLY HELD HOSTAGE BY UNKNOWN LIBYAN FACTIONS. FOR THE PAST 531 DAYS WE AS GERCO’S FAMILY HAVE BEEN SILENT ABOUT HIS KIDNAPPING AS A PRECAUTION FOR HIS SAFETY. ON THE 24TH OF MARCH 2019 THE RAPPORT NEWSPAPER MADE THE NEWS PUBLIC. OUR FAMILY FELT IT APPROPRIATE TO SHARE HIS STORY AND ASK FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS JOURNEY TO RETURN GERCO TO HIS HOME AND LOVED ONES – GOAL R 9 000 000 – Click ‘n Donate, Fundraising South Africa, for South Africans (clickndonate.com)