Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, has been kidnapped by Israeli soldiers

MANDLA Mandela was snatched by Israeli forces in a dramatic sea raid that has sparked outrage across South Africa.

The grandson of Nelson Mandela was aboard the Alma, one of the boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla, sailing to deliver aid to suffering Palestinians in Gaza when chaos erupted at sea in the early hours of Thursday, 2 October.

Before the flotilla was intercepted, Mandla recorded a chilling video: “If you’re receiving this video, it means that we’ve been intercepted and abducted by the state of apartheid Israel. I call on our government to exert pressure for my immediate release.”

The flotilla, which carried South African civilians and international activists, was attacked with drones and water cannons in international waters. Delegates were detained as the mission was blocked.

The Global Sumud Flotilla slammed Israel’s actions: “This was a peaceful, humanitarian mission. The flotilla carried civilians, food, and medicine. Israel is breaking international law and strangling Gaza even more.”

The South African group of the flotilla demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mandela and all the other activists.

Meanwhile, political party GOOD joined the calls. Secretary-General Brett Herron said: “Aid isn’t a crime. These flotillas carry food and medicine – not weapons. The Israeli government’s aggression must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

Herron reminded South Africans that this comes after climate activist Greta Thunberg and others were also detained on a flotilla in June.

Now, families, activists, and political leaders are pleading with government to act fast.