Families of 2 SA engineers jailed in Equatorial Guinea plead for their release

CAPE TOWN - The plight of two South African engineers jailed in Equatorial Guinea has been highlighted in a protest at African Energy Week being held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). 

The families of Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham are pleading for clemency and have sought to draw attention to the issue with Equatorial Guinea government officials attending the gathering. 

They said the two were arrested on trumped-up drug charges, a day before they were due to return to South Africa on a work break in February 2023.

Government has taken up the matter but the men remain detained in the West African country.

Jolene Potgieter explained why they were calling for her father's release.

"I think the only way to get help is from South Africa and DIRCO helping us to get them back."

Huxham's life partner, Kathy McConnanchie, has also shared her wishes.

"We need our men home. We'd really love to have them home for Christmas."