McGowan's release follows that of Swedish national Johan Gustaffsson, who was also abducted in November 2011.
South African hostage Stephen McGowan has been released from captivity by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in Mali after six years.
He was abducted by the Islamist terror group in November 2011 at a hotel in Timbuktu along with Swedish national Johan Gustaffsson, who was released recently, and was also abducted at the same time.
International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane announced McGowan was released on July 29. She said the SA government did not pay a ransom for his release.
Gift of the Givers chairperson Imtiaaz Suliman confirmed to EWN that negotiations through an intermediary led to McGowan’s release.
Min Nkoana-Mashabane: South African Stephan McGowan – held hostage for 6 years by Al Qaeda – has been released. #PostCabinet
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 3, 2017
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane: Stephan McGowan was released on the 29 July 2017 #PostCabinet
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 3, 2017
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane: Stephan McGowan should be treated with Ubuntu and dignity he deserves #PostCabinet
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 3, 2017
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