Hope Grows For Sa Engineers Held In Equatorial Guinea After Lamola's Visit

The families of two South Africans, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, detained in Equatorial Guinea since 9 February 2023, have expressed their appreciation following International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola's recent diplomatic visit to the country.

Lamola, serving as a special envoy for President Cyril Ramaphosa, met with his counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophone Affairs, Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, in an effort to resolve the ongoing detention of Potgieter and Huxham.

In a statement after the visit, the minister confirmed that he raised the urgent need for a resolution regarding the detention of the two engineers, whose prolonged imprisonment has caused significant distress for their families.

The two men, both experienced professionals in Equatorial Guinea's oil and gas sector, have been held under unclear circumstances.

Shaun Murphy and Francois Nigrini, spokespersons for the Potgieter and Huxham families, conveyed a renewed sense of hope following Lamolas diplomatic intervention.