Two South African nationals who were released from detention in Equatorial Guinea following a Presidential Pardon, have arrived home.
Peter Huxham and Frederic Potgieter were arrested in 2023 at a hotel in the capital Malabo, on drug related charges.
They were subsequently sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment, but their families had vehemently maintained that the charges were trumped-up.
The two, who are engineers, were working for SBM Offshore company in the west African country at the time of their arrests.
Huxman and Potgieter pair were welcomed home by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and their families at the Lanseria International Airport on Saturday night.
“We welcome them back home in South Africa, with the Presidential Pardon from the President of Equatorial Guinea who found it in his wisdom to grant them clemency.
It’s a great relief to the South African government and the family.
We therefore convey our message of gratitude to the government of Equatorial Guinea.
The two are happy to be back in the country, and glad to be back in constitutional democracy,” said Lamola.
Since their arrest, the government has remained actively engaged through diplomatic channels, including sending Special Envoys, to secure their release on humanitarian grounds.
Government has throughout the process appealed for clemency, highlighting the “humanitarian aspects of the case and the profound impact on the families of the detained.”
Lamola commended the coordinated collaboration between the department, the families of the two men, and their employer, SBM Offshore, which he said played a significant role in facilitating their release.
“The Government of South Africa acknowledges the complexity of the matter, including its sensitive diplomatic and legal dimensions.
It appreciated the Government of Equatorial Guinea’s continued provision of consular access and the spirit of constructive diplomatic dialogue that has been maintained throughout this period.
The government remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Equatorial Guinea and reaffirms its dedication to constructive engagement, mutual respect, and the resolution of challenges through diplomatic channels,” read a statement from the department.
