Cape Town - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that they are putting in all diplomatic efforts to bring home two South African engineers imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea by Christmas.
The families of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, are begging the government of Equatorial Guinea to release the men in time for Christmas, following their detention of more than 670 days.
Last month, the men's families carried out a protest outside the Cape Town International Convention Centre, where the Africa Energy Week (AEW) was being held, calling for the release of their loved ones.
The men were arrested on drug trafficking charges in Equatorial Guinea just two days after South African courts seized the luxury super yacht belonging to Equatorial Guinea's Vice President,
Teodore Nguema Obiang Mangue, the President's son.
Earlier, the Vice President's two luxury Cape Town villas (Clifton and Bishopscourt) were also seized and were impounded following a court ruling in SA on a separate matter. They have been held for more than 21 months.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said much work had been done in a bid to bring the two men back home.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families, as we can clearly sense the profound pain they are enduring. As previously communicated to both the families and the legal representatives, we are committed to utilising all available channels to secure the release of the two South Africans,” said Phiri.
“This effort includes a formal diplomatic correspondence requesting their release, particularly in light of the UN panel's determination that their detention
constitutes abduction.
“It is important to clarify that this situation does not arise from any perceived obligation of South Africa to the Government of Equatorial Guinea.
“As confirmed by the legal team and the company associated with the individuals, their detention may be related to private legal proceedings involving another South African in the courts of South Africa.”
Francois Nigrini, spokesperson for the Huxham family, said they were gravely concerned about the men's health as the stress would have weighed him down while the reality of not having them around the table for Christmas.
“We are pleading with the Government of Equatorial Guinea to show compassion and mercy in the true spirit of Christmas, and to immediately release Frik and Peter,” he explained.
“Their health is our greatest worry. Their long and isolating ordeal has separated them from all family contact, adding to the already profound suffering they endure.
“As days pass, our families, too, feel the heavy toll of this separation, weighed down by worry, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Their release would mean everything to us; it would be a step toward healing the deep wound this has created in our lives.
“Nearly 700 days of freedom have been unjustly taken from two innocent men.
“As they begin to rebuild their lives, it would be especially meaningful for them to start this journey during the upcoming Christmas season.”
Shaun Murphy, spokesperson for the Potgieter family, said the release of the two men would be a blessing itself for their families as Christmas was to be celebrated.
“For us, there would be no greater gift than to have our loved ones home for Christmas, a time when we gather in faith to celebrate the birth of Christ; a season of hope, forgiveness, and renewal,” he said.
“Having Frik and Peter with us would be a blessing beyond measure, restoring our families in the spirit of His love and peace, and renewing our faith in the power of compassion and grace.”
The families representatives earlier claimed the seizure of assets was unrelated to the detaining of the men.
The families said despite the super yacht being released, the villas remain impounded in South Africa, and Frik and Peter remained in prison.
The men were sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and fined USD $5 million each.
Their families have since lodged an appeal against the court’s decision and are awaiting feedback on their appeal.
Last year, the Weekend Argus reported that Obiang claimed the yacht had belonged to the military but that it was listed as a treasure craft that sails under the Cayman Islands’ flag.
The article further stated the vessel was seized in Cape Town in adherence to an attachment order, seen by the newspaper and that on February 7 2023, in relation to Daniel Janse van Rensburg's ongoing lawsuit against Obiang.
It was related to outstanding damages awarded to him after a court battle for his incarceration at Black Beach prison between 2013 and 2015.