Pretoria - Government says it continues to render "consular support" to the families of two South Africans abducted by Somali pirates in October last year.
Debbi Calitz and Bruno Pelizzari were on their way to South Africa when their yacht was hijacked by the pirates, who have since demanded $10 million for their release. Government has indicated that it will not be paying the money.
Worried family members on Monday pleaded for the release of the pair. "We are asking you to please let them go ... they are just ordinary Africans like yourselves with similar problems, we are not rich," said Debbi's brother, Dale van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe confirmed that the men had contacted him earlier this month, demanding ransom. "Yes, I received a call from someone. It was made from a cell phone and they asked for this ridiculous amount and we just don't have it," van der Merwe said, adding that they hadn't heard from either Debbi or Bruno since they were captured.
International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Director General, Clayson Monyela, said the department was doing its part to ensure the safe return of the two.
"Government is rendering consular support and like many other South Africans, we want to see their safe return and we are working very closely with the families," he said.
