The family of former MP Mandla Mandela has reached out to the presidency for help after he was arrested by the Israeli government.
Mandela, the grandson of former president Nelson Mandela, was part of a humanitarian group on a trip to Gaza to offer aid.
Mandla’s mother, Nolusapho Mandela, confirmed on Wednesday morning that her son was taken by Israeli forces and pleaded for his release.
She said that of those in his vessel, Mandla was the only South African arrested. Four others were not taken.
She added that she had reached out to the government, asking for the presidency and the international relations department to assist.
“I haven’t heard anything from them yet,” Nolusapho said. “I asked for their intervention because government are the only ones that can assist.
“I am pleading that pressure is exerted so that they are released. They must be deported back home.”
She said Mandla was on the leading ship.
In an SOS message by the Global Sumud Flotilla website, it said the “crew members have been illegally intercepted in international waters during their mission to break the siege and deliver aid”.
Videos of the group have been posted on the website, sending alarms that they had been abducted.
Mandela, 75, said she last spoke with her son on Wednesday.
“We didn’t sleep. We are saying he must be released. They did nothing wrong. They were taking humanitarian aid to those in need. They are not armed. We are pleading for them to be released.
In a pre-recorded viral video, Mandla said: “I’m a citizen of the Republic of South Africa. If you are receiving this video, it means that we have been intercepted and have been abducted by the state of apartheid Israel.
“I call you to request our government to exert pressure for my immediate release.”
Nolusapho said: “When I spoke with him, he said we must be strong. He had not been arrested at the time. It was before 4.30pm.
“I’m trying to be strong, and being old is not helping. I think they got hold of a phone somewhere, because theirs [Mandela’s and others] were thrown into the sea.
“He is fighting for the liberation of the people of Gaza and for them to find help and be free in their country.”
Daily Dispatch
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