'SA can't save mercenaries'
2004-03-28 14:04
Adri Kotze
Johannesburg - The South African ambassador to Gabon, Mokgethi Monaisa, says South Africa won't be able to save suspected mercenaries who are being held in Equatorial Guinea if that country decides to give them the death penalty for involvement in a plot to overthrow the government.
Monaisa, who is also responsible for Equatorial Guinea, says it would be a dilemma, because although South Africa had abolished the death penalty, it was still being used in other countries such as Equatorial Guinea.
Seven South Africans are being held in the capital after being arrested in connection with the alleged coup plot nearly three weeks ago.
A group of 70 suspected mercenaries, who would allegedly have formed part of the coup, are being held in Zimbabwe.
Concern for the men increased recently when Equatorial Guinean President Obiang Nguema threatened to kill the men "if necessary".
He said if they received life sentences, they would remain in a prison in his country for the rest of their lives as an example to others with the same intentions.
He said in future it wouldn't be necessary to inform the president of the arrival of mercenaries, as they would simply be killed.
Regarded with suspicion
He said all South Africans in Equatorial Guinea were regarded with suspicion and would have to leave the country by the end of the month. They would have to obtain security clearance before re-applying for visas if they wanted to return.
Monaisa led a delegation, consisting of representative from foreign affairs, national prosecution and the police, who discussed, among other things, the prosecution of the men with EG authorities.
Monaisa said he saw the men only once when they were brought to police headquarters to meet the delegation. He was unable to determine the conditions under which they were being held.
He said the authorities had assured him that the men would be heard in a court that conformed to international standards, but it was not sure when this would take place.
- Rapport