Ramaphosa meets family of slain South African-born captain after remains released

President Cyril Ramaphosa has met the family of South African‑born Captain Daniel Perez after the South African government intervened to secure the release of his remains from Hamas, the presidency confirmed.

Meeting follows government intervention

The South African presidency said Mr Ramaphosa met the Perez family after government efforts led to the handover of the remains. Captain Daniel Perez was taken hostage and killed during the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, the statement said.

Family background

The presidency noted that Perez was born in Johannesburg and that he grew up in Glenhazel, where his father served as a community rabbi. The family moved to Israel in 2014, the statement said.

Presidential message

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the president expressed his sympathies to the Perez family. “President Ramaphosa expresses his condolences to the Perez family and affirms South Africa’s support for an all inclusive peace process that will deliver a lasting peace for the people of Israel and Palestine.“

Broader government role described

Magwenya said the South African government “remains engaged in assisting all South Africans, irrespective of race or religion, that are ensnared in conflict zones as well as assisting other foreign nationals where such support is requested.“

The spokesperson added that this engagement “includes facilitating the release of South Africans trapped in a war in Syria, citizens that were sold to Russian mercenaries and the safe return of Ukrainian children.“

Related international reporting

The IOL report also noted coverage by AFP that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US‑led Gaza plan endorsed by Hamas. AFP quoted Netanyahu saying, “Israel rejects the 15-point document” and that the Israeli military “will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.”

The presidency confirmation and the AFP reporting were included in the IOL story.