The four South Africans abducted in Iraq on Sunday are believed to be alive and there has been contact with their captors, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.
”As far as we are aware, they are still alive,” said department spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa.
”At this stage we are aware of contacts between Safenet Security Services and the abductors. Discussions are ongoing between the two.
”We are monitoring the situation very closely and giving whatever support may be required to ensure the release of the South Africans.”
He would not comment on who the abductors might be.
The South Africans, who work for Safenet in Iraq on contract to the United States Department of Defence, were seized on Sunday at a roadblock in northern Baghdad. Their names have not been released.
Five Iraqis seized with them were released on Tuesday. — Sapa