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The South African couple who were released by Somali pirates after 18 months in captivity finally spoken out, saying they are still struggling to believe they are free. Deborah Calitz and Bruno Pelizzari were kidnapped from a yacht in October 2010 near the Gulf of Aden.

SA couple speak out after capture
By Andrea van Wyk and Rahima Essop, Eyewitness News

The South African couple who were released by Somali pirates after 18 months in captivity finally spoken out, saying they are still struggling to believe they are free. Deborah Calitz and Bruno Pelizzari were kidnapped from a yacht in October 2010 near the Gulf of Aden.

The pair was released on Wednesday, following a joint operation by the Italian, South African, Qatari and other governments.

It is unclear whether a ransom was paid but it is hoped they will provide more information on what led to their release.

In his first interview with South African media on Monday, Pelizzari said his release still felt unreal.

“I’m so happy to be out.”

He said he was most grateful to people around the world for their support and efforts to ensure their release.

The two were flown to Rome, Italy, where they lived before their capture.

Pelizzari holds dual South African-Italian citizenship.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is finalising arrangements to have the couple flown to South Africa on Tuesday. They are expected to arrive in the country on Wednesday.

Pelizzari said the first thing he will do when he arrives in the country is kiss the ground.

Meanwhile, he is due to give evidence against the Somalis who captured him and Calitz in an Italian court on Monday.

Source: Eyewitness News