The Family of a South African man who has been held captive by militants in Mali for more than five years have launched a new plea for his release. Gerco van Deventer, who is 47 years old and worked as an emergency paramedic for a security company, was taken hostage in Libya on November 3, 2017. His wife, Shereen van Deventer, stated that he is the only South African citizen who is being held by a non-state actor in the Sahel.
This plea for his release comes shortly after the freeing of two other hostages, American aid worker Jeffery Woodke and French freelance journalist Olivier Dubois. Dubois, who is 48 years old, was kidnapped in 2021, while Woodke, who is 61 years old, was taken hostage in 2016.
The family of Gerco van Deventer is urging those responsible for his abduction to release him without delay. They have not given up hope that he will be freed, and are appealing to the public to support their cause. The South African government has also been called upon to do all that it can to secure his safe release.
The abduction and captivity of Gerco van Deventer has been discribed as a tragedy by many people around the world. The family has constantly appealed that it is important that people all over the world do not forget their plight and that the South Africa Government continue to work for his release.