Al-Shabab the strongest rival Islamist faction in Somalia is demanding for a ransom over two South Africans couple who were in their captivity for months.
These two South African couple was on vacation on the surface of the Indian not Ocean not knowing that they have entered the Pirates infested Somali waters, and it was then that they fell into the hands of the Somali Pirates, somewhere near the southern seaport town of Kismayo the headquarters of the lower Jubbah region, and Al-shabab has later usurped the South African couple from the Somali pirates hands.
The couple was afterwards relocated to Barawo district along the coastal line of the Indian Ocean.The couple has been for so long in Barawo district, but it was merely yesterday when they were relocated to Buale district in the middle jubbah region.
According what Somali government controlled radio station termed as reliable source says that, the relocation of the South African couple came after negotiation took place between South African negotiators and a senior Al-shabab officer whose name is Hassan Afrax.
“The south African couple who have a young child of theirs with them were here in Barawa district and now they are relocated to Bulale district, and from there I am optimistic that they will be freed, but that will only happen after Al-shabab receives a handful of $US dollars, of which I can’t guess the amount” said a resident in Barawa district who closely serves with this Islamist faction.
During their capture these two couple was accompanied by the captain of they were in, but on seeing the armed pirates he has instantly dived into the sea and was saved by the NATO forces who were watching the event from far distance.
This will be the first case for senior Al-shabab officer to officially demand for ransom over captured foreigners, although they have been earlier cases of foreign journalist kidnapped by Al-shababs junior officials who were later released on ransom payment.
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