Families of two South Africans detained in Equatorial Guinea urge government to intensify diplomatic efforts
Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, both in their mid-fifties, have been sitting in prison for more than two years now on what their families believe are trumped up drug charges.
FILE: South African engineers Frik and Peter have been detained in Equitorial Guinea. Picture: Free Frik and Peter/Facebook
JOHANNESBURG - The families of South Africans detained in Equatorial Guinea are calling on government to continue their diplomatic efforts to secure the men’s release from unlawful detention.
Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, both in their mid-fifties, have been sitting in prison for more than two years now on what their families believe are trumped up drug charges.
The two engineers were working for a global oil and gas company when they were arrested on 9 February 2023.
The families believe the charges are in retaliation against legal action being taken in South Africa against the vice president of Equatorial Guinea.
As the country commemorates Human Rights Day, the men's families are asking why two South African citizens remain unlawfully detained and deprived of their human rights.
Family spokesperson Shaun Murphy is urging the South African government to demonstrate that human rights are defended not only in principle but in action.
"We've been able to garner support as well from the United Nations which has said that the detention is illegal, that it's arbitrary, and a gross violation of human rights. In celebrating human rights here in South Africa today, our government is very huge supporters and advocates for human rights and our message is that we would like to see our government take charge on this and push forward with this gross human rights violation of its own citizens," said Murphy.
Murphy said the men's spouses have only been in contact with them less than 10 times since their incarceration.
He said this had really taken a toll on everybody.
"I mean on a day like today, and there have been many other days which have been missed like birthdays, anniversaries, the normal stuff that we celebrate with families. These two gentlemen have not been able to celebrate that with their families," said Murphy.