The families of two South African engineers imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea have welcomed South African government support in efforts to access the pair in prison.
Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter were arrested at their hotel in the Equatorial Guinea capital Malabo on February 9 and have been in custody ever since. Last week the South African government confirmed its embassy staff in Equatorial Guinea had been denied access to the detainees “in violation of international law”.
“The government of Equatorial Guinea has failed in its obligation to formally notify Dirco and grant consular access for the embassy officials to the two South African nationals,” the department of international relations and cooperation (Dirco) said in a statement.
The matter is being addressed by Dirco director-general Zane Dangor, the department said.
“Mr Dangor expressed his dismay that the South African embassy continues to be denied access to the detainees in violation of international law. The director-general emphasised that the government of Equatorial Guinea remains responsible for the welfare and safety of the South African citizens being held in their custody and expressed his willingness to have more direct and constructive co-operation with the relevant authorities regarding this matter,” the statement said.
Francois Nigrini, spokesperson for the families of the imprisoned pair, this week said he believed South African government involvement was crucial to resolve the matter. The families insist the two men are innocent and the victims of unlawful arrest.
“We believe that the wellbeing and release of Frik and Peter will depend on strong and successful bilateral engagement between the governments of South Africa and Equatorial Guinea, and urge the department to pursue every avenue available to achieve this as quickly as possible,” Nigrini said. “They have already been there for six months — every additional day they remain in jail in Equatorial Guinea deepens their exposure to potential harm, and further distress,” he said.
“We know that Frik and Peter, who are both much-loved, devoted family men and extremely well-respected within their communities and professionally, are innocent. To date, the families have not been allowed any direct contact. Our priorities are to establish regular contact as quickly as possible, so we can ensure they are well and safe for as long as they remain in Equatorial Guinea, while also working to get them freed. We are hoping Dirco will continue to help facilitate this.”
He said Peter and Frik’s employer, SBM Offshore, for whom they have worked for 15 and 11 years respectively, was providing daily feedback and support for both families. “We are grateful for this support and are all working together to get Frik and Peter home safely as quickly as possible,” he added.
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