Johannesburg – The recent trip by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola to Equatorial Guinea has raised hopes for the possible release of South African engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, who are presently detained in that nation.
On Tuesday, 21 January 2025, the families of both Potgieter and dual citizen Peter Huxham, who holds South African and UK citizenship, voiced their appreciation for Minister Lamola’s diplomatic efforts in Equatorial Guinea.
During his visit, Minister Lamola met with his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, Simeón Oyono Esono Angue, who holds the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophone Affairs.
As a special envoy for President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister Lamola declared after the visit that he highlighted the urgency of addressing the ongoing detention of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, who have been imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea since 9 February 2023.
In their commentary, Shaun Murphy and Francois Nigrini, representatives for the Potgieter and Huxham families, conveyed “renewed hope” following this diplomatic initiative.
“This visit brings a glimmer of hope to our families, who have suffered through the prolonged and unjust detention of Frik and Peter for far too long,” the spokespeople shared in a joint statement.
“These two engineers have devoted many years to the oil and gas industry in Equatorial Guinea and to mentoring aspiring Equatorial Guinean professionals.
“We sincerely urge our government to persist in these diplomatic efforts aimed at securing the release of Frik and Peter.
In July 2023, Potgieter and Huxham were convicted of cocaine possession found in their luggage.
The two men, who assert their innocence and contend they were wrongfully convicted, received sentences of 12 years in prison along with fines of R141 million each.
“Their continued detention has caused immense distress for them and their families, who endure daily heartache from their absence,” the statement remarked.
“This ordeal has robbed them of nearly two years, a period that can never be reclaimed.”
The families, who also stand firm in believing the innocence of both men, underscored the necessity for ongoing diplomatic pursuits.
“We are convinced that with sustained dialogue and effort, a resolution can be reached that upholds justice and human rights,” the statement concluded.
