South African Andre Hanekom Tragically Dies Whilst in Custody in Mozambique
South African expat Andre Mayer Hanekom has tragically died whilst being held prisoner in Mozambique, a country he and his family had called home for the past 26 years. His daughter Amanda announced this morning on Facebook: My dad died early this morning in mysterious circumstances in the hospital in Pemba. His court case was […]
South African expat Andre Mayer Hanekom has tragically died whilst being held prisoner in Mozambique, a country he and his family had called home for the past 26 years.
His daughter Amanda announced this morning on Facebook:
My dad died early this morning in mysterious circumstances in the hospital in Pemba.
His court case was going to be next week and he would have won, we have mountains of proof of his innocence.My heart is so broken and hollow, my dad was our rock when anything was down, he gave us strength
Hanekom had been accused of terrorism and held captive since 1 August 2018.
As reported by SAPeople, the South African businessman was allegedly shot and kidnapped in Palma, Northern Mozambique on 1 Aug. It was later revealed he had been arrested, but was then released for “wrongful arrest”… before being detained again.
His family urged social media followers to help, believing that Hanekom was an innocent scapegoat being framed by those pursuing shady business deals.
Just three days ago, things looked up. His wife Francis said:
The High Commissioner paid us a visit with his delegation. I am so grateful for their wonderful support and assistance. I am sure their physical presence here will have plenty of positive effects in our battle against the injustices committed against Andre. Now I am not alone anymore. The watchful eye of our SA Government in his case, will ensure that the few corrupt men against Andre will have to answer to “big brother” as well, when Andre is not treated fairly and humanely. Thank you to these very supportive people whom I have had the privilege to meet.
The visit had come after International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister Lindiwe Sisulu had directed Ambassador Mandisi Mphahlwa to visit Hanekom last week after receiving concerns from his family and friends about his health. He was admitted to a prison hospital on Friday afternoon, for unknown reasons.
DIRCO claimed on Sunday: “The High Commissioner confirmed to the Minister that Hanekom is well in custody and is facing a number of charges. He will appear in court soon. The High Commissioner is monitoring the case, keeping the family informed and offering consular support.”
Sadly it was his birthday on Monday – where his daughter wished him “freedom, health, happiness and time with his family again”.
“Miss him so so much ♡, Håppý ßïřťhđåý ďåđ,” wrote Amanda.
Within 48 hours he has passed away.
DIRCO had called for a probe into the terror-related charges faced by Hanekom, which related to his alleged support of and assistance to an extreme jihadist group that is destabilising the northern part of Mozambique.
According to DIRCO, these jihadists activities have been linked to the deaths of over 100 people in that area.
Earlier this month Amanda claimed further proof of her dad’s innocence was that while he’s in custody seven more “good and innocent people lost their lives in these brutal attacks in the North of Mozambique” and said that many killings weren’t even on the news.
“The majority of the locals here are really good, kind and innocent people, I know, I grew up here and another reason my parents still live here.
“My dad is innocent and has nothing to do with these attacks, he has also been under guard since August 1, highly unlikely for people to continue with these attacks if they don’t get money, food, supplies and medical assistance from my dad, more proof it is NOT him.”
A DIRCO spokesperson told the Mail & Guardian newspaper in SA that Sisulu has instructed the Mozambique High Commissioner to “find out what happened”.