Stephen Malcolm McGowan is released
SANDTON – Stephen McGown comes home after six years in captivity.
Former Sandton resident Stephen Malcolm McGowan, who was kidnapped by Al Qaeda militants in Timbuktu in November 2011, was released on 29 July and reunited with his family.
McGowan was kidnapped while on holiday in Mali and kept in captivity. The South African government and the South African international community have been campaigning for his release since 2011.
In a press release, spokesperson of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Clayson Monyela wrote, “We would like to warmly welcome him back home and wish him good health and good fortune in his life as a free man.”
His mother sadly passed away in May this year without seeing her son again. Monyela said the government extends its deepest condolences to Stephen and his family.
“The South African government would like to extend its gratitude to all role players such as the government of Mali, NGOs and individuals for their efforts that eventually secured McGowan’s release. We call on all South Africans to continue to support him while allowing him the space and time he needs to adjust to his environment after years of incarceration,” added Monyela.
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Read also:
Captured Parktown North resident may be released by Mali Al-Qaeda militants (VIDEO)
Kidnapped father’s son speaks out
