Update
GEORGE NEWS - After nearly 900 days of anguish, hope has triumphed.
Engineer Frik Potgieter from George and his colleague, Peter Huxham from Langebaan, are finally back on South African soil after spending over two years in unlawful detention in Equatorial Guinea.
Their release, granted through a presidential pardon, marks the end of a harrowing chapter that began on 9 February 2023.
"Today is an exceptionally happy day. After two years and four months of unlawful detention, Frik and Peter are finally home. These two innocent engineers are back on South African soil, reunited with their loved ones," said the families' spokesperson, Shaun Murphy.
Their relieved families confirmed their release on the evening of Saturday 21 June.
"This brings an end to an ordeal of anguish and uncertainty, and unwavering efforts by many to secure their freedom," added Murphy.
There is nothing more precious than the human touch. Peter Huxham and Kathy McConnachie hug for the first time in 900 days.
The United Nations' (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled in July 2024 that these men's imprisonment was unlawful and in violation of international human rights law. The UN called for their immediate release, a call that has now, finally, been heeded.
The families are immensely grateful for the local and international support they received.
Special thanks were given to Potgieter and Huxham's employer, SBM Offshore, as well as the South African and UK governments, international diplomatic partners, legal teams and civil society organisations.
They also recognised the pivotal role of Hostage International and media organisations that kept the story alive, and the tireless efforts of government leaders.
Former Minister of International Relations Dr Naledi Pandor and current Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola both travelled to Equatorial Guinea as envoys on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Thousands of supporters across the globe signed petitions, shared the men's story, offered prayers, and helped sustain the families throughout their ordeal.
"Their return home is the result of collective efforts over many, many months, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in securing their freedom," said the families.
"This has been a long and difficult journey. We want to thank every person who stood with us - your support carried us through our darkest moments."
The families have now asked for privacy as Potgieter and Huxham begin the slow but hopeful process of recovery and healing.
Unbridled joy as Frik and Sonja Potgieter reunite at Lanseria Airport on Saturday night.
Previous articles:
- They're home! Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham released
- Engineers detained in Equatorial Guinea: Government urged to help
- SA Engineers in Equatorial Guinea to appeal their shocking sentence
- SA-ingenieurs kry 12 jaar tronkstraf en moet R141-miljoen opdok
- Georgian and man from Langebaan detained in Black Beach Prison
- Families launch online campaign to free SA engineers from Equatorial Guinea
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