Mr Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that two South African citizens, Bruno and Debbie Pelizzari, were taken hostage by pirates whilst sailing off the Somali coast on Sunday and that a third South African, Peter Eldridge, who accompanied the couple, managed to evade capture;
2) further notes that no news is currently available as to where and why the couple is being held;
3) extends its sympathy and support to the family and friends of the Pelizzaris;
4) acknowledges the responsibility of the Government to assist all South African citizens abroad who may be in distress; and 5) urges the Department of International Relations and Co-operation to take the necessary steps to investigate not only the whereabouts of the couple but also to ensure their safe release and swift return to South Africa.
Agreed to.