South African Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham Released from Custody in Equatorial Guinea
Pretoria – Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, who have been held in Equatorial Guinea since February 2023, are now free.
The South African government expressed its relief in a statement issued on Saturday, 21 June 2025, acknowledging that this positive outcome was made possible by “the President of Equatorial Guinea granting clemency.”
The two South Africans were taken into custody on 9 February 2023 on allegations of drug trafficking and faced a 12-year sentence.
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The statement noted: “South Africa conveys its heartfelt appreciation to the government of Equatorial Guinea for their kindness and the eventual granting of this Presidential pardon, allowing Mr. Huxham and Mr. Potgieter to reunite with their families.”
“Since their arrest, the South African government has been actively engaged through diplomatic channels, appointing Special Envoys to advocate for their humanitarian release.
“During these discussions, the government sincerely pursued leniency, stressing humanitarian aspects and the emotional toll on the families of those detained.”
The families of Frik and Peter believed that the engineers were caught in the political rift between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.
While employed by a global oil and gas company in Equatorial Guinea, they were apprehended on questionable drug charges shortly after South Africa confiscated a luxury yacht belonging to Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue (often referred to as Teddy).
Moreover, South Africa seized two of Teddy’s lavish villas in Cape Town.
These properties were confiscated following a South African court ruling related to an entirely different matter, separate from Frik and Peter’s situations.
“The collaboration among the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the families of the two engineers, and their employer, SBM Offshore, was crucial in achieving their release,” the late-night statement emphasized.
“The South African government acknowledges the challenges tied to this situation, alongside its delicate diplomatic and legal ramifications.”
The statement also highlighted the ongoing consular assistance provided by the government of Equatorial Guinea and the active diplomatic communications maintained throughout this challenging period.
It concluded by reiterating South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Equatorial Guinea and its determination to foster dialogue, mutual respect, and tackle challenges through diplomatic means.
