Paramedic kidnapped in 2017 while working in Libya spotted in Mali

“My plea is aimed at everyone and anyone who might potentially have the means to help us. To those that want to help but do not have the means, please share Gerco’s story far and wide so that we can have everyone make a noise to bring him home."

(POC) — Gerco was kidnapped on November 3, 2017 while on his way to the Awbari power plant where he was employed as an on-site emergency medical practitioner.

In a new video released by al-Qaeda recorded on March 15, 2023, Gerco explains exactly what happened the day he was kidnapped he also added he was held in Libya for eight months before he was “sold” to JNIM and taken into northern Mali. He also said that while in captivity, he was shot in the arm, which has left him with limited mobility due to “misaligned bones.” Deventer pleaded for any help to secure his release, adding that he has not spoken with or heard of anything about his wife and three children.

Exclusive Follow-Up: A leaked video featuring South African hostage Gerco Van Deventer has recently surfaced and is believed to be intended for al-Qaeda’s propaganda channels in Mali at a JNIM location (al-Qaeda terrorists in Mali). The two-day-old clip shows Mr. Deventer… https://t.co/MaeDsl4V0H pic.twitter.com/CC6hJagXRP

— Mzahem Alsaloum (@Mzahem_Alsaloum) March 18, 2023

Back in January, analyst Mzahem Alsaloum received a proof of life photo of Deventer that was passed along to his wife, but this most recent video has been the first footage of Deventer since 2019. Captors have previously demanded $1.5 million for his release.