SA hostages: US asked to help
15/08/2007 21:33  - (SA)  

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SA man 'doing his job in Iraq' Kidnapped SA men 'still alive'

Pretoria - Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad says South Africa is in talks with the American-led multi-national force in Iraq for assistance in the release of four South Africans who were kidnapped in Iraq.

Responding to questions over progress in securing the release of the four men, held captive since December, Pahad said the government was trying through various channels to secure their release.

"Our problem is that we are not in touch with any of the groups involved in the violence...we have no access," he said.

He said South Africa's ambassadors in Jordan and Kuwait were also still talking to Iraqi representatives to determine if they could assist in efforts to release the men.

South Africa does not have a diplomatic mission in Iraq.

Pahad said the company the four men worked for, SafeNet Security Services, which is contracted by the US Department of Defence, had not been able to make progress in its talks with the hostage takers.

Andre Durant, Johan Enslin, Kallie Scheepers and Hardus Greeff were kidnapped in December when they were flagged down at a roadblock north of Baghdad. They were travelling in a convoy.

They along with five Iraqis were snatched at the roadblock, but the Iraqis were released two days later.

In January there was seemingly good news when reports indicated that the four might still be alive, but since then there has been no word on their well-being.

- SAPA

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