SA continues with efforts to secure Korkie's release

(Image: Israel Defense Forces from Israel, via Wikimedia Commons)

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim visited Yemen to assist in negotiations for Korkie's release at the weekend.

Korkie and his wife Yolande, who have been living in Yemen for four years, were captured in May last year in the Yemeni city of Taiz. Yolande was released last week without any ransom being paid, but the militants have demanded R32m to release Korkie.

Briefing the media on his trip, Ebrahim said he held a range of meetings, including with the representatives of the Yemen Security Services, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister and the President of Yemen. Details of the discussions, Ebrahim said, cannot be divulged at the moment. He did, however, receive a comprehensive report with the latest information and developments regarding the kidnapping.

Passionate plea

"We used our engagements to seek advice and look into what Yemen and South Africa can do together to secure the security release."

Ebrahim, who also made a passionate plea to the kidnappers, which was broadcasted from Yemen's television stations, said he had stressed the urgency of the case, in view of Korkie's deteriorating health.

"The Yemeni authorities, who have considerable experience in dealing with situations of this type, emphasised that the motive of the kidnapping was not political. It was confirmed that South Africans are not the only ones targeted and that it was a case of mistaken identity."

Foreigners are frequently kidnapped in Yemen by al-Qaeda militants or tribesmen, who demand ransoms for the release of their prisoners.

Currently, eight other foreign nationals are also held hostage in areas that are not under government control.

Kill Korkie

In the case of Korkie, they have issued an execution threat if the ransom is not paid.

The kidnappers extended the deadline for the ransom money to be paid last week Friday, by 21 days.

Yesterday, the humanitarian group Gift of the Givers said the group holding Korkie had contacted them via text message asking them about the money for the ransom. They later sent a picture of a bomb belt after the humanitarian group said government does not negotiate with terrorists.

Ebrahim said although such threats are taken seriously, they still hope that they can spare Korkie's life.

The deputy minister said government's position is clear and it does not pay ransoms under any circumstances.

No ransom

"This is not only a South African policy but the international norm of governments across the world ... we do not negotiate with the kidnappers, we work with the government of that country."

Analysts have also warned that the paying of a ransom will portray the country as a soft target to hostage takers.

On reports that the family is trying to raise the funds, Ebrahim said that was a private family initiative and that government was not involved.

Despite no warning having been issued to South Africans travelling to Yemen, Ebrahim advised people to be careful when travelling in conflict areas and register with ROSA.