South African Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham Released from Custody in Equatorial Guinea
Pretoria – Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, who had been detained in Equatorial Guinea since February 2023, have finally been released.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the South African government expressed its relief in a statement, highlighting that this favorable outcome resulted from “the President of Equatorial Guinea granting clemency.”
The two South African nationals were arrested on February 9, 2023, facing charges related to drug trafficking, with a potential 12-year sentence looming over them.
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The statement expressed gratitude, stating: “South Africa extends its heartfelt thanks to the government of Equatorial Guinea for their generosity in issuing this Presidential pardon, enabling Mr. Huxham and Mr. Potgieter to reunite with their families.”
“Since their detainment, the South African government has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, appointing Special Envoys to advocate for their humane release.
“Throughout these conversations, the government underscored the importance of compassion, highlighting the humanitarian factors and the emotional toll on the families involved.”
The families of Frik and Peter suspected that their detention was tied to political discord between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.
While employed by a global oil and gas company in Equatorial Guinea, the engineers were apprehended on questionable drug-related allegations, shortly after South Africa seized a luxury yacht owned by Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, often referred to as Teddy.
Additionally, South Africa also confiscated two of Teddy’s extravagant properties in Cape Town.
These assets were seized following a court decision in South Africa on an unrelated matter, distinct from Frik and Peter’s situation.
“The coordinated efforts among the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the engineers’ families, and their employer, SBM Offshore, were crucial in achieving their release,” the statement further noted.
“The South African government acknowledges the complexities surrounding this case, which involve sensitive diplomatic and legal aspects.”
The statement also emphasized the ongoing consular assistance provided by the government of Equatorial Guinea and the continuous diplomatic correspondences maintained throughout this challenging period.
It concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Equatorial Guinea, fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and addressing challenges through diplomatic means.
