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Mail & Guardian
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
South African engineers released from Equatorial Guinea prison
Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham were jailed for more than two years after Vice-president Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue's assets were seized in Cape Town South African engineers Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, detained for more than two years on what their families have long called 'trumped-up' charges, arrived home on Saturday night after receiving a presidential pardon from Equatorial Guinea. The men landed at Lanseria Airport, where International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola welcomed them and phoned President Cyril Ramaphosa so that he could speak to them. Their release marks the end of an ordeal that began Huxham, a dual British-South African citizen, and Potgieter, a South African, had been working in Equatorial Guinea for more than a decade on oil and gas vessels for Dutch company SBM Offshore. They were about to fly home after a five‑week contract when they were detained and charged with drug trafficking. According to the families, no credible evidence or witness testimony was presented during their June 2023 trial. The men were handed 12-year prison sentences and ordered to pay $5 million each in damages, despite their sealed, combination-locked luggage was only opened by authorities five days after their arrest. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention intervened in July 2024, issuing a formal opinion declaring the men's detention 'illegal and arbitrary' and calling for their immediate release. Arbitrary detention is a violation of international human rights guarantees, including the right to liberty and security of a person as set out in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. While imprisoned in Mongomo, a facility reserved for political prisoners, their physical and mental health deteriorated. While they were still incarcerated, family spokesperson Shaun Murphy said Potgieter had a sleep apnoea machine but needed parts for it and, although they had received medication it had run out and more had to be sent through SBM Offshore, which sells systems and services to the offshore oil and gas industry, or the consulate. Huxham and Potgieter had last seen their families in December 2022 and were granted only five brief phone calls while in prison. Their families launched an international campaign for their release, making emotional pleas for clemency and urging the South African government to intervene. In response, international diplomats, parliamentarians and organisations such as Hostage International added their voices to the call for the men's release. The families thanked those who worked behind the scenes, including SBM Offshore, the South African and British governments, international diplomatic partners, legal teams and civil society organisations. They specifically thanked former International Relations and Cooperation Minister '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,' Murphy said. '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.' In a statement at the weekend, the international relations department said the government acknowledged the complexity of the matter, including its sensitive diplomatic and legal dimensions. 'The government of South Africa 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,' it said.
IOL News
22-06-2025
- IOL News
South African engineers granted clemency by Equatorial Guinea's President
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronlad Lamola, welcomed Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham home at Lanseria Airport with their families. Image: Supplied Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has confirmed that Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the President of Equatorial Guinea, has granted clemency for the two South African engineers imprisoned for drug trafficking charges two years ago. The families of engineers Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter also expressed their relief and gratitude to everyone including the South African government for never giving up on their plight Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, said the release was a coordinated effort between the department, the families and their employer, SBM Offshore. 'The Government of the Republic of South Africa welcomes the release of Mr Peter Shane Huxham and Mr Frik Potgieter from detention in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. This release follows the granting of clemency by the President of Equatorial Guinea,' said Phiri. The duo were arrested on February 9, 2023 on drug trafficking charges and were sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment. They were working offshore in the central African country, and the arrest came just two days after a South African court ordered the seizure of a super yacht, called Blue Shadow valued above R300 million, and two luxury villas belonging to vice president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro 'Teodorin' Nguema Obiang Mangue, the son of the president Mbasogo. "South Africa expresses its sincere gratitude to the Government of Equatorial Guinea for considering and ultimately granting this Presidential pardon, allowing Mr Huxham and Mr Potgieter to return home to their loved ones,' said Phiri. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'Since their arrest, the South African Government has remained actively engaged through diplomatic channels, including sending Special Envoys, to secure their release on humanitarian grounds. Throughout these sustained engagements, the Government consistently appealed for clemency, highlighting the humanitarian aspects of the case and the profound impact on the families of the detained. '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." Shaun Murphy and Francois Nigrini, spokespersons for the families, said they were relieved. '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. '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 families also thanked South Africans and everyone worldwide for signing their online petition which called for their release. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
Eyewitness News
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
2 SA men unlawfully detained in Equatorial Guinea return home after presidential pardon
JOHANNESBURG - Two South African men who were unlawfully detained in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea for more than two years have returned home following a presidential pardon. Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham were arrested by Equatorial Guinean police on 9 February 2023 on fabricated drug trafficking charges and were subsequently sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment. Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola welcomed the two men home at Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg on Saturday night, following the pardon by the president of Equatorial Guinea. On the night of 9 February 2023, the two engineers, who were on a working trip, checked into their hotel in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, and were scheduled to return home to South Africa the next morning. But that evening, the men were separately summoned to the hotel reception, unaware that they were about to be arrested on fabricated drug trafficking charges. Unbeknownst to them, their arrest followed South Africa's seizure of luxury assets belonging to Equatorial Guinea's vice president. Just two days before the men were arrested, the South African courts had impounded the vice president's super yacht, and before this, South African courts had seized his two luxury villas in Cape Town. The seizures followed a court ruling on a separate matter unrelated to the two men. Since their arrest, the South African government had engaged through diplomatic channels, including sending special envoys to secure their release on humanitarian grounds. In July 2024, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found that the imprisonment of Potgieter and Huxham was arbitrary, unlawful, and a breach of multiple international human rights obligations and called for their immediate release. 'After two years and four months of unlawful detention, Frik and Peter are finally home,' said the families' spokesperson, Shaun Murphy. 'This brings to an end a long and painful ordeal, one marked by anguish, uncertainty and tireless efforts by so many to secure their freedom.'
The South African
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Little Rangers Program ignites passion for Wildlife
The Lion & Safari Park is turning young visitors into wildlife champions with its exciting Little Rangers Adventure Club. This hands-on programme, designed for children aged 5 to 12, offers a thrilling mix of adventure, education, and conservation. It's quickly becoming a hit among South African families eager to swap screen time for real safari experiences. Just 13 kilometres from Lanseria Airport, the Lion & Safari Park invites children to step into the shoes of real rangers, according to IOL. Kids get to track animals, feed giraffes, attend lion talks, and take part in conservation activities—all in a safe and engaging setting. It's a chance to learn about South Africa's incredible wildlife up close. 'At Lion & Safari Park, we believe that a love for wildlife starts young,' says Shandor Larenty, Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager. 'We've seen how the Little Rangers programme sparks curiosity and passion in children. It's our way of nurturing the next generation of conservationists through unforgettable, hands-on experiences.' The programme runs every weekend throughout the year, making it easy for families to enjoy the great outdoors together. Each session lasts 90 minutes, from 9:00 to 10:30 am, and costs R130. To join, parents pay a one-time sign-up fee of R300, which includes a safari vest, a field guide, and the first Cub Scout badge. Children earn badges by completing fun, conservation-themed activities. These include art in the park, paw and spoor tracking, and age-appropriate bush survival skills. Each badge brings them closer to becoming a Little Game Ranger, the highest tier in the programme. Along the way, kids move through levels from Cub Scout to Safari Star, Wildlife Warrior, and finally Little Game Ranger. Each level unlocks exclusive discounts and benefits. The ultimate prize? A free birthday party at the park, complete with venue and setup, for those who reach the Little Game Ranger level. This unique reward motivates kids to learn and engage with nature actively. 'The badges and tiers give children a sense of achievement,' Larenty explains. 'They build knowledge, confidence, and excitement about wildlife and conservation. It's inspiring to see young faces light up when they earn a new badge.' The Little Rangers Adventure Club offers South African families a wonderful way to connect with nature and instil a lifelong respect for wildlife. It's a perfect blend of fun and learning, encouraging children to become true ambassadors for the environment. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
29-05-2025
- IOL News
Discover the Little Rangers Adventure Club at Lion & Safari Park
Located just 13 km from Lanseria Airport, the Lion & Safari Park gives children the rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of real rangers: exploring animal tracking, feeding giraffes, attending lion talks, and completing conservation-themed activities in a safe and engaging environment. Image: Supplied Adventure, education, and conservation come together in an unforgettable experience for children at the Lion & Safari Park, thanks to the park's much-loved Little Rangers Adventure Club. This exciting program, designed for children aged 5 to 12, has quickly gained popularity among families seeking to nurture a deeper connection to nature and wildlife through fun, hands-on learning, effectively swapping screen time for safari time. Located just 13 km from Lanseria Airport, the Lion & Safari Park offers children the rare chance to walk in the footsteps of real rangers. Activities include exploring animal tracking, feeding giraffes, attending interactive lion talks, and completing conservation-themed activities—all within a safe and engaging environment. 'At Lion & Safari Park, we believe that fostering a love for wildlife starts at a young age,' remarked Shandor Larenty, the Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager at the park. 'We've seen just how much this program sparks curiosity and passion in the children who take part in it. The Little Rangers program is our way of nurturing the next generation of conservationists by providing them with unforgettable, hands-on experiences that connect them to nature.' Children are actively encouraged to engage in conservation activities that not only support their natural curiosity but also promote the safety and care of the wild at large. With engaging weekend sessions such as art in the park, paw and spoor tracking, and safe, age-appropriate bush survival skills, every moment is both educational and thrilling. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ As part of the adventure, children earn badges for each activity completed, requiring them to collect three badges to progress to the next tier. These tiers range from Cub Scout to Safari Star, and Wildlife Warrior, ultimately culminating in the coveted title of Little Game Ranger. Each tier offers exclusive discounts and benefits, with the ultimate reward being a free birthday party (venue and setup included) when graduating as a Little Game Ranger (Level 4). This structure encourages children to build knowledge, confidence, and excitement as they engage with the programme. From tracking paw prints to learning about endangered species, each badge earned brings kids closer to becoming true wildlife ambassadors. The program runs on weekends throughout the year, showcasing a unique way for families to enjoy the outdoors while inspiring young conservationists. Sign-up costs R300, which includes a safari vest, a field guide, and the first Cub Scout badge, while individual activity sessions are priced at R130. Sessions take place every Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 10:30. To learn more about the Little Rangers Adventure Club or to sign up your child, visit
