By: Karinda Jagmohan

The parents of a South African woman being held captive in Yemen, have reignited hope that their daughter will soon return home.

The Sunday Tribune reported that Cape Town residents, Yusuf and Fatima Adams, have received a copy of a passport that was made recently for their daughter, Masnoena Al-Taheri.

The Adams’ family believes that this is a sign that their attempts to rescue her are coming to fruition.

According to the Weekend Argus, in 2001, the Adams’ daughter – then known as Masnoena Adams – married a Yemeni citizen, Saleh Al-Taheri.

Al-Taheri forcefully took his new wife to a rural village in Yemen on the pretence that he was taking her to Mecca.

In the war-torn country, Adams, now 41, lives in a shack where she is starved and severely beaten.

Speaking to the Weekend Argus from Yemen, Adams said, “I live in fear, I wish I could get out.”

Adams described a life of captivity where she was forbidden to leave the house, and only allowed to eat on a Friday. She explained that her husband – and sons, aged 11 and 8 –
constantly abuse her.

“It’s like someone put you in a hole and closes it. You feel empty,” added Adams.

On rare occasions, Adams contacts her parents via text message, pleading for their help.

Since her story was publicised in 2013, South African well-wishers have come to her aid.

Her location has reportedly been identified by rescue-workers who will help her leave Yemen.

Durban-based Islamic teacher, Moulana Tayyib, explained that the teachings of Islam states that women must be revered and protected.

“There are people who create a bad name for our religion,” said Moulana Tayyib.

Women’s rights activist, Mala Gounden, stated, “We need to come together to help women who are afraid to speak out against abuse.”