Gerco van Deventer: The Longest-Held South African Hostage Finally Released

The South African humanitarian organization, Gift of Givers, has announced the release of Gerco van Deventer, the longest-held South African hostage. Van Deventer, who was taken captive in Libya on November 3, 2017, and subsequently sold to an Al-Qaeda affiliated group in Mali in 2018, was released on Saturday after more than six years in captivity.

Gift of Givers founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman stated that Van Deventer could not be released via Mali due to hostilities between the military and Tuareg rebels. Instead, state security in Algeria successfully facilitated the release. South African State Security was informed by their Algerian counterparts of Van Deventer's freedom and his ensuing health review at a hospital.

The road to Van Deventer's release was fraught with obstacles and uncertainties. Initially, his captors demanded a ransom of $3 million, which was negotiated down to $500,000 by Gift of Givers. However, with no ransom funds available from his family, a benefactor, or his employer, negotiations reached an impasse. The COVID-19 pandemic further stalled efforts until a revitalization of negotiations began in early 2023.

With persistent efforts and strategic diplomacy, the Gift of Givers tirelessly worked to secure Van Deventer's unconditional release. They appealed during times of religious significance, such as Ramadan and the Hajj, citing softened hearts and increased goodwill. Noteworthy was their intervention during worldwide events, including offering aid after the Morocco earthquake—an action that received indirect gratitude from Van Deventer's captors.

The breakthrough in negotiations came unexpectedly from a previously uncontacted individual in Mauritania, signaling the intricate and unpredictable nature of the process. Van Deventer's release, devoid of any ransom, signifies a remarkable end to a harrowing ordeal.

Gift of Givers, which has facilitated the releases of multiple hostages in similar situations, is well-versed in the intricacies of such delicate negotiations. The organization remarkably ensured Van Deventer's freedom without succumbing to monetary demands, highlighting their expertise and resolve.

With his release, Van Deventer is expected to be reunited with his wife Shereen and their son Asher after a comprehensive health check. The family's agonizing years of prayers and hope have finally culminated in the return of their loved one.

The Gift of Givers remains vigilant in their humanitarian efforts and in addressing similar crisis situations across the globe. Dr. Sooliman expressed his gratitude for the successful outcome and devoutly wished for Van Deventer's prompt and safe repatriation.