Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
25 October 2024 | 11:23 CAT

Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham have been detained in EG since February 2023.

After enduring more than 600 days of imprisonment in Equatorial Guinea, the families of two South African engineers—Frederik Potgieter and Peter Huxham—have expressed gratitude for Parliament’s recent call for their release. On Tuesday, Parliament unanimously passed a motion for their immediate release, which has rekindled hope among their loved ones.

The motion, tabled by Emma Powell of the Democratic Alliance (DA), condemns the detention as arbitrary and illegal. It urges the Equatorial Guinean authorities to release the engineers without further delay. The imprisonment began on 9 February 2023 and has drawn sharp criticism for violating basic human rights.

Despite the positive move by Parliament, uncertainty still looms over how soon Potgieter and Huxham might return home. “That’s the million-dollar question,” Shaun Murphy, a representative supporting the families, told Radio Islam International. “We’re hoping for a resolution before year-end, but we can’t say how long this will continue.”

Murphy highlighted the tremendous efforts made to secure the engineers’ release. “Their employer, an international oil company, has been a pillar of support, providing resources on the ground,” he explained. Murphy also noted that the families have enlisted the help of the United Nations and South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). However, access to the detainees and legal representation remains a significant hurdle.

“Legal processes there are cumbersome. Families have only had six calls with Peter and Frederik in over 20 months,” Murphy revealed. While basic needs, including meals and limited outdoor time, have been provided, medical care has been inconsistent.

Murphy emphasized the need for further diplomatic pressure. “Parliament’s motion is a vital step, but real progress hinges on an agreement between our government and Equatorial Guinea. Until then, it’s a long road ahead.”

The families hope the case will soon reach President Cyril Ramaphosa’s desk. Murphy added, “We can only pray that behind-the-scenes efforts are underway. It would mean everything to have regular updates from the government.”

South Africans have been closely following the case since the engineers’ arrest. Many have offered support, and Murphy encourages continued awareness, urging those interested to visit the campaign’s website for updates. “We need all the help we can get to bring them home.”

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Shaun Murphy here.