South African Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham Set Free by Equatorial Guinea
Pretoria – Engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham from South Africa, who have been held in Equatorial Guinea since February 2023, have now been released from prison.
The South African government expressed its relief over the engineers’ release in a statement issued late on Saturday, 21 June 2025, indicating that this decision came “after the President of Equatorial Guinea granted clemency.”
The two South Africans were arrested on 9 February 2023 on charges of drug trafficking and were sentenced to 12 years in prison.
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The statement noted: “South Africa expresses its sincere gratitude to the government of Equatorial Guinea for its consideration and the eventual granting of this Presidential pardon, enabling Mr. Huxham and Mr. Potgieter to reunite with their loved ones.
“Since their apprehension, the South African government has engaged proactively through diplomatic channels, including sending Special Envoys to negotiate for their release on humanitarian grounds.
“Throughout these discussions, the government tirelessly advocated for leniency, highlighting the humanitarian elements and the emotional impact on the families of the detained.”
The families of Frik and Peter felt the engineers had become embroiled in political tensions between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.
While working in Equatorial Guinea for a global oil and gas company, they were arrested on questionable drug charges, only two days after South Africa seized a luxury yacht owned by Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue (commonly known as Teddy).
Moreover, South Africa had also confiscated two of Teddy’s lavish villas located in Cape Town.
These properties were seized following a court ruling in South Africa concerning an unrelated issue, separate from the cases of Frik and Peter.
“The collaboration between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the families of the two engineers, and their employer, SBM Offshore, played a crucial role in facilitating their release,” the late-night announcement stated.
“The government of South Africa acknowledges the complexities of this situation, encompassing its sensitive diplomatic and legal dimensions.”
The statement also recognized the ongoing provision of consular assistance by the government of Equatorial Guinea and the constructive diplomatic conversations maintained during this time.
It concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Equatorial Guinea and its dedication to constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and addressing challenges through diplomatic strategies.
