O&G engineers return home with a pardon
Families reunited after more than two years
SOUTH AFRICA: The two oil and gas engineers working offshore in Equatorial Guinea that were unlawfully detained more than two years ago have returned home after they received a pardon from the President of Equatorial Guinea.
The families of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham were able to welcome them when they landed at Lanseria airport on Friday night, bringing an end to a harrowing ordeal of anguish, uncertainty, and unwavering efforts by many to secure their freedom.
In July 2024, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found that their imprisonment was arbitrary, unlawful, and in breach of multiple international human rights obligations. The UN also, at the time, called for their immediate release.
“We are overwhelmed with relief and joy. The last two years and four months have been unimaginably painful for both of our families. Today, we are finally able to say: Frik and Peter are safely back home,” said family spokespersons Shaun Murphy and Francois Nigrini.
The families expressed their deepest appreciation to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, including Frik and Peter’s employer (SBM Offshore), the South African and UK governments, international diplomatic partners, parliamentarians, legal teams, Hostage International and other civil society organisations, and the media.
They are also grateful to former Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor, and the current Minister, Ronald Lamola, who visited Equatorial Guinea as envoys for the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
The story of the two men attracted worldwide attention leading to thousands of signatures on petitions calling for their release.
“Their return home is the result of collective efforts over many, many months, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in securing their freedom.
“This has been a long and difficult journey. We want to thank every person who stood with us; your support carried us through our darkest moments. We now respectfully ask for privacy and space as Frik, Peter and their families begin the journey of healing,” the families said.
PHOTO: Minister Lamola welcomed Frik and Peter home at Lanseria Airport tonight. The Minister also called President Ramaphosa so that he could personally welcome the men home to South Africa.
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