SA engineers released from Equatorial Guinea jail after diplomatic push and presidential clemency

Two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, have returned home after spending more than two years in prison in Equatorial Guinea on what their families and government officials have described as trumped-up drug charges.

The pair were released following high-level diplomatic interventions and granted presidential clemency by Equatorial Guinea’s long-serving president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Potgieter and Huxham were arrested on 9 February 2023 and sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted on drug-related charges. Both men maintained their innocence throughout the ordeal, with mounting pressure from their families, legal representatives, and the South African government to secure their release.

After sustained diplomatic efforts by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the engineers finally landed back in South Africa on Saturday night to emotional scenes at the airport. Their families have since requested privacy to celebrate the long-awaited reunion in peace.

The breakthrough in the case came after months of behind-the-scenes negotiations involving senior government officials, including former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor and her successor, Ronald Lamola. Both made official visits to Equatorial Guinea, where they lobbied for the release of the two men and raised concerns about the fairness of their trial.

DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri on Monday expressed gratitude to Equatorial Guinea’s government for granting the clemency that allowed the two engineers to return home.

“South Africa expresses its sincere gratitude to the government of Equatorial Guinea for considering – and ultimately granting – this presidential pardon,” said Phiri. “We are pleased that Mr Potgieter and Mr Huxham are safely back with their loved ones.”

A family spokesperson, Shaun Murphy, described the homecoming as a bittersweet but joyous moment following more than two years of anguish and uncertainty.

“This is a happy day – one the families have waited for with hope and heartbreak,” said Murphy. “The past two years and four months have been unimaginably painful. We express our deepest appreciation to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes – from legal experts to diplomatic teams – to bring Frik and Peter home.”

Sources close to the negotiations say the engineers' release was also part of broader discussions about improving diplomatic ties and economic cooperation between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.

President Obiang, Africa’s longest-serving head of state, has previously used presidential pardons to manage international diplomatic tensions. In this case, South African officials praised his gesture as one of goodwill.

While details of the engineers' detention conditions remain closely guarded, advocacy groups have raised concerns about their treatment and access to legal representation.

As the men settle back into life at home, questions remain about how South Africans working abroad are protected and how future incidents can be prevented.

“This case highlights the importance of robust consular services and diplomatic channels in protecting our citizens abroad,” said a senior government official.

For now, the focus is on healing and rebuilding. “We’re just thankful that this nightmare is over,” Murphy added. “Now it’s time to move forward.”