South African paramedic Gerco van Deventer, taken hostage in Libya six years ago and then sold to Al-Qaeda militants, is back home in Swellendam with his wife and children.
He was released on 10 December, said Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers.
Van Deventer's wife, Shereen, confirmed the safe return of her husband, who had received the necessary medical support and was in good health and spirits, she told News24.
The family acknowledged Gift of the Givers for its efforts to secure Van Deventer's release.
"We are also deeply thankful for the role played by the media and all South Africans for their prayers and support.”
She also expressed gratitude to the Algerian Government and the SA State Security Agency for their role in facilitating her husband’s release and return home.
News24 article – Al-Qaeda captive Gerco van Deventer spending Christmas at home (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Kidnapped paramedic begs for help in new video
Gift of the Givers to negotiate kidnapped paramedic’s release