Families hail release of South African engineers from Equatorial Guinea prison after two years

The two South African engineers who were locked up in an Equatorial Guinea’s Mongomo Prison for two years, have finally been released. 

Frederik ‘Frik’ Potgieter, 53, and Peter Huxham, 55, were arrested at their hotel in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea on February 9, 2023 on drug-related charges.

They were later found guilty of trafficking and illicit possession of drugs and sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment each. In addition, they were ordered to pay $5 million (more than R96m) each in damages with an additional $2.5m (more than R48m) fine to be shared between them.

The men denied any wrongdoing. 

Since their arrest, their families as well as the South African government had advocated for their release. Government efforts included sending Special Envoys, to secure their release on humanitarian grounds. 

According to the families, their release follows a pardon from the President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. 

"We are overwhelmed with relief and joy. The last two years and four months have been unimaginably painful for both of our families. Today, we are finally able to say: Frik and Peter are safely back home," said family spokespersons Shaun Murphy and Francois Nigrini.

The families expressed their appreciation to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, including Frik and Peter’s employer (SBM Offshore), the South African and UK governments, international diplomatic partners, parliamentarians, legal teams, Hostage International and other civil society organisations, and the media. 

“They are also grateful to former Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor, and the current Minister, Ronald Lamola, who visited Equatorial Guinea as envoys for the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa,” the families said in a statement. 

Overflowing with gratitude, they also thanked the “tens of thousands of individuals worldwide who signed petitions, supported media advocacy, offered emotional support and prayed for their safe return”.

 "Their return home is the result of collective efforts over many, many months, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in securing their freedom. This has been a long and difficult journey. We want to thank every person who stood with us; your support carried us through our darkest moments. We now respectfully ask for privacy and space as Frik, Peter and their families begin the journey of healing," the families said.

The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said: "The government of South Africa acknowledges the complexity of the matter, including its sensitive diplomatic and legal dimensions. It appreciated the government of Equatorial Guinea’s continued provision of consular access and the spirit of constructive diplomatic dialogue that has been maintained throughout this period. The government of South Africa remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Equatorial Guinea and reaffirms its dedication to constructive engagement, mutual respect, and the resolution of challenges through diplomatic channels."