24 April 2000
The Department of Foreign Affairs can confirm that two South Africans are among the group of hostages kidnapped from the holiday resort on Pulau Sipadan, an island off the coast of the East Malaysian state of Sabah. It has not been conclusively ascertained whether the group of armed kidnappers belongs to the Abu Sayyaf insurgent group based in the south Philippines.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, through its consular section, has contacted the families of Carel J Strydom (36), and Monique Strydom, (36), a couple from Johannesburg who were on holiday there.
The Department, through it High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, is in direct contact with the Malaysian and Philippine authorities. The Department will make any new information available as soon as it is obtained.
Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs are presently in an emergency meeting in an attempt to assess the situation. The Department of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincere concern and will endeavour to do everything in its power to secure the release of Carel and Monique Strydom.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell Phone: 082 990 4853