Share

Sisulu wants answers about death of André Hanekom while imprisoned in Mozambique

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has directed High Commissioner to Mozambique Mandisi Mpahlwa to engage with authorities there to establish the cause of death of André Hanekom, the 61-year-old South African man who was being held in that country. 

Sisulu had requested feedback report, Dirco spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya said. 

Earlier, News24 reported that Hanekom's daughter, Amanda, had confirmed that Hanekom had died in custody on Wednesday morning.

Mabaya said the department was also engaging with the high commissioner to ensure that the family was assisted with obtaining the body. 

READ: André Hanekom, SA man held in Mozambique, dies in custody

"Most importantly the minister also directed the high commissioner to engage with the authorities in Mozambique around this matter, so that we understand what has happened and what led to his death. As you are aware, the gentleman was in prison," Mabaya said. 

Mabaya said that the department would have more details surrounding Hanekom's death and other arrangements in the coming days. 

Hanekom's daughter told News24 that he had been transported to Pemba ahead of his court appearance on terrorism charges, and to a meeting with the high commissioner on Friday, when he suddenly and inexplicably got ill.

"We are hoping to recover my father's remains in order to determine the cause of death," Amanda told News24. 

Hanekom was detained in Mozambique and was facing a number of charges, the department said. 

News24 previously reported that Hanekom and two Tanzanians had been arrested on December 31, and had been named by Mozambican authorities as being part of a jihadist group operating in the region.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
42% - 360 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
58% - 497 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.93
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.90
-0.0%
Rand - Euro
20.44
+0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.1%
Platinum
906.59
+1.1%
Palladium
1,012.66
+1.1%
Gold
2,221.55
+1.2%
Silver
24.87
+0.9%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.9%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.9%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE