South Africa confirms the abduction of a South African citizen in Nigeria

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation wishes to confirm that a South African national was abducted yesterday in Nigeria by unknown persons.

At this point, the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Kingsley Mamabolo has indicated to the Department that the abductors have not yet made contact with either the Nigerian authorities nor the High Commissioner in Abuja, Nigeria." It is a waiting game and we continue to pray for the safety of our citizen" said High Commissioner Kingsley Mamabolo.

The Department through its Consular Section continues to render consular assistance to the family and remains seized with the matter.

" Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult moment" said High Commissioner Mamabolo from the South African Embassy in Abuja.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation's Media Liaison section will advise the media on further developments in this matter as and when new information becomes available from Nigeria.

For more information, contact Nomfanelo Kota, Director Media Liaison on
082 459 3787 or email kotan@foreign.gov.za or nomfanelok@yahoo.com

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
460 Rietondale Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

2 March 2010