The South African who was among seven employees of an Australian mining company abducted in Calibar, Nigeria, last Wednesday was not injured and is expected back in South Africa Tuesday morning to be reunited with his family.
Nelson Kgwete, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, confirmed this on Monday. He said the unnamed South African was leaving Nigeria Monday night.
Macmahon Holdings Limited which employed the seven men said in a statement on Sunday that five of them had been injured, two seriously and were receiving treatment from a team of medical specialists.
The two who had not been injured were also undergoing medical assessment.
“Arrangements have been made for the men’s safe return to their families, once they receive medical clearance to travel,” the company said in a statement.
Macmahon CEO, Sy van Dyk commended all the men for the courage they displayed throughout the ordeal.
“Our men have been through a traumatic experience, and we have mobilised medical and other support teams in Nigeria to provide immediate support.”
He said the families of the seven men had all been able to speak to their families.
Van Dyk said the company was deeply saddened by the death of local driver Matthew Odok, who was fatally injured during the initial incident.”
The men have asked not to be identified.
– African News Agency (ANA)
