Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham were jailed on controversial charges that sparked a diplomatic outcry
South African Engineers Released from Equatorial Guinea Imprisonment After 2 Years
South African Engineers Released from Equatorial Guinea Imprisonment After 2 Years
Two engineers return home following presidential pardon amid international concern
Two South African engineers have made their way back home after enduring over two years of incarceration in Equatorial Guinea on controversial drug charges deemed “arbitrary and illegal” by the United Nations. Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, both in their mid-50s, were taken into custody in February 2023 when alleged narcotics were found in their belongings. Initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and hit with fines totaling $5 million, they were granted a presidential pardon following extensive efforts by their families and the South African government.
Their arrest had followed the seizure of luxury assets belonging to Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang, which included a yacht and two villas in South Africa, marking a contentious backdrop to their unjust detainment. The two men were working on behalf of Dutch oil and gas company SBM when they were arrested right before their scheduled return home after a work assignment.
In a heartfelt statement, the families expressed immense relief and gratitude upon their return, stating, "The last two years and four months have been unimaginably painful for both of our families." The South African government expressed appreciation to Equatorial Guinea for the presidential pardon that facilitated the men’s return.
Last year, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had urged for their release, asserting the unlawful nature of their incarceration. The families claimed their detention was a retaliatory measure related to the previous asset seizures against the vice-president. The South African government has clarified that it was the judicial system that would ultimately decide the fate of the confiscated assets.
Upon their return, Potgieter and Huxham were welcomed warmly by friends, family, and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola. An official from the South African government reiterated that the courts were to determine matters regarding the vice-president's yacht and properties.
Their arrest had followed the seizure of luxury assets belonging to Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang, which included a yacht and two villas in South Africa, marking a contentious backdrop to their unjust detainment. The two men were working on behalf of Dutch oil and gas company SBM when they were arrested right before their scheduled return home after a work assignment.
In a heartfelt statement, the families expressed immense relief and gratitude upon their return, stating, "The last two years and four months have been unimaginably painful for both of our families." The South African government expressed appreciation to Equatorial Guinea for the presidential pardon that facilitated the men’s return.
Last year, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had urged for their release, asserting the unlawful nature of their incarceration. The families claimed their detention was a retaliatory measure related to the previous asset seizures against the vice-president. The South African government has clarified that it was the judicial system that would ultimately decide the fate of the confiscated assets.
Upon their return, Potgieter and Huxham were welcomed warmly by friends, family, and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola. An official from the South African government reiterated that the courts were to determine matters regarding the vice-president's yacht and properties.
