Gift of the Givers: Al-Qaeda considering freeing Gerco Van Deventer

Gift of the Givers founder, Imtiaz Sooliman, said that al-Qaeda was considering freeing Gerco van Deventer.

In a video released in April, the Swellendam paramedic confirmed that he had been kidnapped by an al-Qaeda splinter group and was being held captive in Mali.

Van Deventer, who was initially kidnapped while working in Libya in 2017, also confirmed in the video that he’d been shot in his left arm.

Sooliman said that their hostage negotiator, Mohamed Yehia Dicko, was currently in Mali discussing with intermediaries to persuade the captors to release Van Deventer.

The founder said he hoped al-Qaeda agreed to their demands of an unconditional, ransom-free release.

“Gerco has been away from his wife and children for five years and seven months. It’s been a very tough time for Shereen and all the children. All we can do is pray and hope that the outcome is positive.”

-EWN

In other news – Photos: Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu celebrate their daughter’s 1st birthday

One of Mzansi’s power celebrity couple, actors Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu announced the birth of their first child together on their YouTube channel not too long ago, but time flies and their daughter is now a one year old.

The proud parents recently took to their timeline sharing special moments with Rhulani and images from her pink-themed birthday party on June 6. Learn More