Gerhardus Johannes Greef (Hardus), Johannes Stephanus Enslin (Johann), Andre Du Randt, Charl Angus Scheepers (Kallie) were taken hostage on Sunday morning 10 December 2006 at an official roadblock by what appeared to be Iraqi Policemen. 5 Iraqi co-workers taken with the above men, were released on Tuesday night, 12 December 2006.

Apparently the kidnappers (police officials) ordered the men out of their vehicles by alleging that a bomb threat had been received and that all vehicles needed to be searched.

It has been reported that at least 2 of the 5 co-workers confessed that the kidnapping was done with their help. The 2 co-workers have turned and are now trying to ascertain where Johann and his men are being held. The kidnappers, apparently, have not paid them for the part they played.

Johann and all 3 men were contract workers for Safenet Security Services and no ransom demand, that we know of, was received from the kidnappers.
They were providing logistical support and were in no way assisting or taking part in any military action in Iraqi as such. On this particular day they were escourting a truck filled with water and food whilst normally, they escorted for example, building contractors or engineers to building sites.

Just before Christmas, the 21st December 2006, one of the 4 men, Andre du Randt, phoned his wife in South Africa and said that they were all okay, that they will be released soon and that his wife must kiss their sons on his behalf and that they must keep on praying. Nothing happened.

Approximately 90 days after the kidnapping, a religious leader from Basra (Sheik from a mosque) did enter into negotiations with the people holding Johann and his men in Al-Shaab city. Initially we were given positive messages about their imminent release. However on the 4th day this religious leader informed Mauritz Le Roux at Safenet Security Services headquarters in Baghdad, that they were told that all leaders of the kidnappers, except 2-3 men, was eager to solve the issue. This core of 2-3 supreme leaders would not at that stage negotiate about the possible release of Johann and his men.

A letter was send to Iraqi Muslim Council emphasizing the fact that these men are Christian hard working men who are devoted fathers and husbands and who were in Iraq to do their designated job and for no other reason at all. The said Muslim Council has made a promise to write a letter to be handed to the hostage takers.

Letters was also send to Mr. Nelson Mandela, Mr. Thabo Mbeki and to Mr. Zuma. Mr. Zuma gave the family a response.

Please help us find the 4 men. Please contact us if you know anything about the tragedy.