Breakthrough for ex-Black Beach prisoner

GEORGE NEWS - A former hostage of Black Beach prison in Equatorial Guinea, Daniel Janse van Rensburg (51), celebrates a breakthrough in his quest for justice.

The former businessman from Hoekwil filed a civil suit in the Western Cape High Court almost two years ago in December 2015, suing the Equatorial Guinea government for R75-million in compensation after his wrongful imprisonment.

Janse van Rensburg learned on Tuesday morning that the vice president of Equatorial Guinea, Theodorin Nguema Obiang, may not dispose of his beach property in Cape Town while the case against him is being tried. Judgement on Janse van Rensburg's civil claim is being awaited.

"What we won today, is confirmation from the High Court that our attachment of Obiang's beach property is confirmed," said Errol Elsdon, Janse van Rensburg's lawyer. "This now gives us the right to sue him in South Africa, which we are about to do."

Obiang's beach property is situated in Clifton, Cape Town, and worth about R50-million. "We are suing for R75-million and have applied for a date for the trial," said Elsdon.

He explained that the term "attachment of property" means that Obiang may not dispose of the property while the case is being tried. "If we win, he has the choice of paying us what the court awards Daniel, or if he fails to do so, we would sell his house in execution," said Elsdon.

Janse van Rensburg said he is relieved that this chapter in their lives is nearing the end.

"The trauma and memories are going to be with us. No amount of money makes up for what they did to me and my family," he said. "However, we are very grateful to God, that we live in a country where we can receive some justice."

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