Two South African engineers still imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea six months after their shock arrest are appealing a drug smuggling conviction amid growing concern for their wellbeing.
Last month Frik Potgieter, 53, and Peter Huxham, 55, were each jailed for 12 years and fined more than R100m for a crime they insist they did not commit. The pair, who work in the oil and gas sector for Dutch company SBM Offshore, were arrested at their hotel in the country's capital Malabo and paraded in front of local media. They were subsequently convicted without any evidence, according to a statement from the families this week.
The South African department of international relations and co-operation (Dirco) confirmed their arrests.
“While Peter and Frik’s attorneys are dealing with the notice of appeal, including the preparation of appeal arguments and submissions thereof, the priority for the families is to establish regular video or telephonic contact with Frik and Peter to ensure their ongoing safety and wellbeing,” said family spokesperson Francois Nigrini.
“The families will continue to engage with all diplomatic channels, including [Dirco, which is] aware of the situation, and hope [everything possible will be done] to assist in resolving this terrible mistake and misunderstanding the gentlemen are faced with.”
Potgieter and Huxham are experienced engineers who have worked in the offshore oil and gas sector for many years. Their families said they did not know each other before their arrest on February 9.
They only received an official court summons on June 22, with the guilty verdict delivered on June 29.
Huxham’s partner of 30 years, Kathy McConnachie, described him as loyal, committed and a God-fearing Christian who was well-liked among family and friends in the West Coast town of Langebaan.
According to a fact sheet released by the family, Huxham has worked as an engineer for SBM Offshore since 2008 in several countries, including Brazil, Singapore and now Equatorial Guinea.
“He is a much-valued employee and refers to his colleagues as his EG family. He believes strongly in cultivating skills and motivating his team members,” the family said.
Potgieter, who lives in George with his wife of 32 years, has two children and 33 years' experience as an engineer. He has worked for SBM for 11 years.
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