News24 | South African man freed after capture in Mozambique

Rwandan security forces take positions in the town of Palma, Mozambique on 22 September 2021. Insurgents affiliated to the Islamic State have for years carried out attacks in Cabo Delgado on civilians and security forces.

Baz Ratner/REUTERS

A South African man who was among a group of people captured in an attack in Mozambique a month ago has been released unharmed, the government said on Wednesday.

The early September raid on a hunting camp in northern Niassa province was reportedly linked to Islamic insurgents who have been active in neighbouring Cabo Delgado for years.

Police said at the time that 11 people were captured and one was killed.

The 30-year-old was released on Sunday and is on his way back home, the foreign ministry said.

“At the time of his capture, he worked as a mechanic at a camp,” it said in a statement.

READ | Mozambique’s army is losing a crucial counter-insurgency battle

The Zitamar news agency reported that a ransom was privately paid to release three people who had been working at the camp.

Seven others remained unaccounted for, it said.

The South African government said it did not negotiate or pay ransom for the release of hostages.

Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame walk together during an inspection of Mozambican and Rwandan security forces in Pemba, Mozambique on 24 September 2021.

Baz Ratner/REUTERS

Reports at the time said three US hunters were airlifted from the camp after the attack.

Insurgents linked to the Islamic State have carried out attacks in Cabo Delgado on civilians and security forces that included beheadings and abductions.

Cabo Delgado has enormous reserves of gas, which have attracted the attention of energy giants including France’s TotalEnergies, Italy’s ENI and US company ExxonMobil.

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