South African Paramedic Held Hostage in Libya for Six Years Released by Militant Islamists

A South African paramedic who had been held by militants in Libya for over six years has been released, according to the South African charity, Gift of the Givers. Gerco van Deventer, the longest-held South African hostage, was kidnapped in Libya in 2017 and subsequently sold to militant Islamists in Mali. He has now been released and was found on the border between Mali and Algeria.

The 48-year-old paramedic was seized while on his way to a power plant construction site in Libya, around 1,000 kilometers south of the capital, Tripoli. Three Turkish engineers who were kidnapped with Van Deventer were freed seven months later, but he remained in captivity.

Gift of the Givers, which was involved in mediation efforts for his release, stated that the initial request for his ransom was $3 million, which was later reduced to $500,000 but did not disclose whether the money was paid. Van Deventer’s wife, Shereen van Deventer, expressed her family’s overwhelming emotions upon hearing the news of his release.

Mali has been marred by jihadist activities since 2012, with the insurgency spreading to Burkina Faso and Niger in subsequent years. The north of Mali particularly has witnessed clashes between military forces, Islamists, and separatist groups. Kidnappings of foreigners and locals are prevalent in the region.

Van Deventer’s release follows the recent freeing of French journalist Olivier Dubois and American aid worker Jeffery Woodke. Dubois, who spent over a year in captivity with Van Deventer, expressed his joy at the news of his release. Both Gift of the Givers and Algeria’s security agencies are now working towards Van Deventer’s return home to reunite with his family.