Prayers for photographer’s safe return

Friends‚ family and community members have prayed for the return of South African photographer Shiraaz Mohamed‚ who disappeared in Syria a week ago.

About 200 people gathered in the Lenasia South Community Hall in Johannesburg yesterday evening to pray for Mohamed’s safe return after he was kidnapped by armed men while en route to the Turkish border.

The 38-year-old photojournalist has not been seen for just over a week.

At the prayer service‚ close friend Mazharuddin Rosenberg spoke of Mohamed’s love of photography.

“He’s one of the [most] humble people I have met,” he said.

“A very caring person‚ invited me over many times to his home, but what has always caught my eye with Shiraaz – his camera is always with him.”

His family thanked South Africans yesterday for their support‚ but asked for their privacy to be respected.

“It is all becoming too overwhelming for myself and Shiraaz’s family‚” his ex-wife and friend, Shirley Brijlal, said.

“We are paralysed with worry and concern for Shiraaz.

“All we can do is hold on to our Creator and know that His will is being done to bring Shiraaz safely back to us,” she said.