SA probes 'dogs of war' rumour

2003-04-09 08:18

Pretoria - South Africa is awaiting reports from its intelligence services and legal advisers on allegations that more than 100 of its citizens are fighting as mercenaries in Ivory Coast.

"On the basis of those reports, we can decide what action needs to be taken," said deputy foreign minister Aziz Pahad on Tuesday.

"It is illegal for South Africans to operate as mercenaries and we certainly do not condone people twisting the definition of mercenaries."

"However, we have a liberal constitution that guarantees all sorts of freedoms for South Africa. We wouldn't want to change this, but there is a price to pay for it," said Pahad.

"People are successfully interpreting the law to protect what they claim is their right to make a living."

In February, South Africa's justice ministry said it was probing reports that local mercenaries were involved in military conflicts in African countries.

- AFX