Cabinet: SA won't intervene

2004-05-26 22:19

Cape Town - South Africans held in Zimbabwe as alleged mercenaries on a mission to oust Equatorial Guinea's government should be presumed innocent until proved otherwise, a cabinet meeting noted on Wednesday.

"While the government will meet its obligations to South African citizens in both Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea with regard to consular services, it does not have any power or intention to pre-empt court hearings in these countries," said the cabinet.

"It should also be emphasised that all South Africans have the right to travel in and out of the country, and the government does not have any powers to deny them this constitutional right on the basis of mere suspicions.

"At the same time, our intelligence agencies have a responsibility, where such suspicion exists, to co-operate with other countries in following up such matters, in line with our own obligations to the continent and the principles of the African Union."

Would abide by court's decision

The Pretoria High Court is hearing an application to have the 70 men extradited to South Africa, or alternatively, not to be tried in Zimbabwe or Equatorial Guinea.

They are asking the court to direct the government to uphold their constitutional rights.

They claim they will not receive a fair trial in either country. If extradited to Equatorial Guinea, the men fear being put to death.

The cabinet statement said the government would abide by the decisions of the courts on the matter.

- SAPA