‘It’s good to be back in the country’- Shiraaz Mohamed

Mohamed returned to the country in early January. He had been away from home since January 2017, after being kidnapped while covering the war in Syria.

In a recorded video, Mohamed and his mother Shireen thanked everyone, including the government and President Cyril Ramaphosa, who assisted the family to ensure the photojournalist’s safe release.

“Too many people to thank. Too many names to mention. From my side, I thank everyone who stood with my family. Everyone who assisted in trying to ensure my release… It’s good to be back in the country. It’s good to be back with my family,” Mohamed said.

Mohamed asked for time to “gain strength, adding that he would soon announce when a media briefing would be held.

For almost three years, his family appealed to the public for help to raise funds to secure his freedom.

News24 previously reported that Mohamed had escaped from his captors, according to humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers.

Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman said a man had told them that Mohamed was with Turkish officials and later sent him two pictures as proof that he was alive and safe.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.