Dept works to locate kidnapped SA journalist, Shiraaz Mohamed

Mohamed was kidnapped on Tuesday night in Darkoush by unknown men while en route to the Turkish border.

The department's Nelson Kgwete says the situation in the country is volatile.

"The security situation in Syria in general is of very serious concern to us. It does not [bode well] for any citizen going there," he said. 

Mohamed kidnapping: what we know so far

Mohamed expressed concern of possibly being detained shortly before leaving for the Turkish border, according to his ex-wife Shirly Brijlal

She was in contact with the 38-year-old via Whatsapp shortly before he was taken.

"It got a little bit more intense on Tuesday afternoon and hence his [request] please contact Ahmed Bahm if I don't reach you by this time," Brijlal says, adding, "if he not communicating with me that means basically he is in trouble."

Mohamed was taken on Tuesday night along with two Gift of the Givers officials by a group claiming to represent all the groups of Syria.

The two officials were later released.

When they asked about Mohamed, they were told a misunderstanding needed to be cleared up.

They were however told he would be taken back to Gift of the Givers' hospital in Darkoush two days later.

So far the group has not made any demands for a ransom.

Reaction to the kidnapping

Social media users have been calling for Mohamed's release since the details of his kidnapping emerged on Saturday morning.

Similarly, certain business in Darkoush closed shop at the weekend in support of Mohamed, while members of the hospital also demonstrated outside.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has also called for his release.

The Department of International Relations says it is working with Syrian authorities to try and establish the motive for the kidnapping and Mohamed's whereabouts.

South Africa does not have a functional embassy in Syria - with staff evacuated due to the ongoing civil war. 

Mohamed's family has also pleaded with his kidnappers to release him.