Equatorial Guinea releases South African prisoner on humanitarian grounds

Malabo- The President of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema today Monday 5 June 2006 granted pardon to Marius Boonzaaier on humanitarian grounds due to illness. Boonzaaier was arrested in Equatorial Guinea in 2005 together with a group of seven other South Africans and charged with an alleged involvement in a coup plot against the government of Equatorial Guinea.

Boonzaaier has been ill for quite sometime and required surgery. It is in this context that Boonzaaier was pardoned early today. Boonzaaier is the third South African among the group of seven to be pardoned. Arrangements for his return to South Africa are currently being finalised.

The South African government accordingly extends its gratitude to President Nguema and the government of Equatorial Guinea for its humanitarian gesture.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
5 June 2006E