Free after 2 years in foreign prison: SA engineers back on home soil

After enduring more than two harrowing years behind bars in Equatorial Guinea, Frik Potgieter, from George, and Langebaan resident Peter Huxham have finally returned to South African soil. 

The two men, who were detained in Equatorial Guinea on 9 February 2023, have returned safely to South African soil following a presidential pardon granted by the President of Equatorial Guinea. Their families confirmed their release last night (21 June).

“This brings an end to an ordeal of anguish, uncertainty and unwavering efforts by many to secure their freedom,” said family spokespersons Shaun Murphy and Francois Nigrini.

“We are overwhelmed with relief and joy. The last two years and four months have been unimaginably painful for both our families. Today, we are finally able to say: Frik and Peter are safely back home,” the families’ spokespersons said.

Shock after drug charges

Potgieter and Huxham are both engineers who were working for the Dutch company SBM Offshore in Equatorial Guinea when they were arrested at their hotel in Malabo on drug-related charges after it was alleged that a cocaine shipment was discovered on the same international flight the men were on.

They were convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. In addition, they were ordered to pay $5M USD (R93,7m at the time of publishing) each in damages, with additional fines to be shared between them.

Potgieter and Huxham vehemently denied all charges from the outset and were shocked that any allegations related to drugs would be brought against them.

Their arrest in 2023 came two days after the high court in Cape Town authorised the attachment of a R300m superyacht, Blue Shadow, owned by Equatorial Guinea’s vice-president Teodorin Nguema Obiang. The court order related to civil matter between Obiang and another South African.

The long fight for freedom

In July 2024, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found that the Potgieter and Huxham’s imprisonment was unlawful and violated numerous international human rights obligations. The UN also called for their immediate release at the time.

The families expressed deep gratitude to all those who supported them throughout the ordeal. This includes Frik and Peter’s employer, SBM Offshore; the South African and UK governments; international diplomatic partners; parliamentarians; legal teams; Hostage International; civil society organisations; and members of the media.

They also extended their thanks to former Minister of International Relations, Dr Naledi Pandor, and current minister Ronald Lamola, who both travelled to Equatorial Guinea as presidential envoys on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Thousands of individuals across the globe signed petitions, supported media advocacy campaigns, offered emotional support and kept the families in their thoughts and prayers.

“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,” said the families. 

“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.”

The families have now asked for privacy as the men begin the process of recovery and healing.