Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, both aged in their 50s, faced what the UN deemed "arbitrary and illegal" accusations following their arrest in February 2023, which coincided suspiciously with the seizure of luxury properties owned by Equatorial Guinea's Vice-President. Their release comes after an extensive familial and governmental campaign, culminating in a presidential pardon that recognized the unjust nature of their detention.
South African Engineers Granted Pardon After Over Two Years in Equatorial Guinea Prison
South African Engineers Granted Pardon After Over Two Years in Equatorial Guinea Prison
Two South African engineers, after enduring a lengthy imprisonment in Equatorial Guinea over controversial drug charges, have been pardoned and returned to their homeland.
The two engineers were part of a Dutch oil and gas project when they were detaining on allegations of drug possession, a charge their families and advocates vehemently contest. The South African government expressed gratitude to Equatorial Guinea for the pardon that has reunited the men with their families. Calls for their release had previously been supported by international human rights organizations, highlighting concerns over due process and legal representation in their case.
In a statement released upon their return, families of Potgieter and Huxham expressed profound relief, citing the emotional toll of the past two years. Meanwhile, the South African government's involvement spurred hope for a resolution amidst diplomatic tensions surrounding the incident.
Officials also reiterated that legal proceedings concerning the seized luxury assets, implicated in the case, remain a matter for the courts, as South African officials maintain their neutrality in the jurisdictional matters at hand.
With a journey back to freedom at last, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham have left an imprisoning ordeal behind them, with the promise of support from their loved ones and fellow citizens.
In a statement released upon their return, families of Potgieter and Huxham expressed profound relief, citing the emotional toll of the past two years. Meanwhile, the South African government's involvement spurred hope for a resolution amidst diplomatic tensions surrounding the incident.
Officials also reiterated that legal proceedings concerning the seized luxury assets, implicated in the case, remain a matter for the courts, as South African officials maintain their neutrality in the jurisdictional matters at hand.
With a journey back to freedom at last, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham have left an imprisoning ordeal behind them, with the promise of support from their loved ones and fellow citizens.
