South African Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham Released from Custody in Equatorial Guinea
Pretoria – Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham from South Africa, who had been held in custody in Equatorial Guinea since February 2023, have now been freed.
The South African government expressed relief over the engineers’ release in a statement issued late on Saturday, 21 June 2025, highlighting that this development followed “the President of Equatorial Guinea granting clemency.”
The two South Africans were apprehended on 9 February 2023 for alleged drug trafficking and received a 12-year sentence.
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The statement emphasized: “South Africa extends its sincere appreciation to the government of Equatorial Guinea for their consideration and the subsequent granting of this Presidential pardon, which allows Mr. Huxham and Mr. Potgieter to reunite with their families.”
“Since their detention, the South African government has been actively involved through diplomatic channels, sending Special Envoys to advocate for their release on humanitarian grounds.
“During these negotiations, the government earnestly sought leniency, emphasizing humanitarian considerations and the emotional impact on the families of the detained.”
The families of Frik and Peter believed that the engineers had been ensnared in the political tensions between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.
While working in Equatorial Guinea for a global oil and gas enterprise, they were arrested on dubious drug accusations just two days after South Africa confiscated a luxury yacht belonging to Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue (commonly known as Teddy).
Furthermore, South Africa also seized two of Teddy’s lavish villas located in Cape Town.
These properties were taken following a court ruling in South Africa regarding an unrelated case, separate from the matters concerning Frik and Peter.
“The cooperation between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the families of the two engineers, and their employer, SBM Offshore, played a vital role in facilitating their release,” stated the late-night announcement.
“The South African government recognizes the complexities of this case, including its sensitive diplomatic and legal dimensions.”
The statement also underscored the ongoing consular support provided by the government of Equatorial Guinea and the constructive diplomatic dialogues maintained throughout this period.
It concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Equatorial Guinea and its dedication to constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and addressing challenges through diplomatic means.
