Five SA citizens held in China to return

THE Chinese government has agreed to release half of the South Africans detained in that country, according to charity organisation Gift of the Givers.

Ten South Africans, nine Britons and one Indian national on a tour of China have been detained without charge in Ordos in the northern province of Inner Mongolia since Friday.

“They will remain in detention until a flight is found for them, probably only on July 17,” said Gift of the Givers. Three of the five to be released are relatives of local businessman Shameel Joosub.

“My family and I are deeply concerned about the security and well-being of my brother, aunt and uncle,” said Joosub.

The other two are Feroz Suliman, a general surgeon at Waterfall Hospital, and his wife, Shehnaaz Mohamed, also a medical doctor.

The Department of International Relations and Co-operation confirmed the arrests.

“The South African government was notified on Sunday about the arrests and the embassy in Beijing thereafter. The embassy is in contact with the Chinese authorities,” said department spokesperson Nelson Kgwete.

The Chinese embassy in Pretoria told Independent Media that no information was available on the matter. According to a family, no reasons were given for the arrest of their relatives; their cellphones were confiscated and they had no access to their embassies, families or legal representation.

Independent Media has been told that Joosub spoke to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa about this matter. Ramaphosa arrived in China on Monday on an official visit to boost trade relations.

Whether he raised the issue with his counterpart, Vice-President Li Yuanchao, is unclear.

Ramaphosa’s visit was centred on the new Brics bank and energy issues. The Chinese government hosted a banquet in his honour yesterday with the leadership of the Chinese Academy of Governance.

“We certainly hope the deputy president raised this issue with the Chinese,” said Imtiaz Sooliman, Gift of the Givers founder.