Mercenary Mann Alleges
South Africa Backing In Coup Plot
Simon
Mann, a British mercenary jailed for plotting against the
government of Equatorial Guinea, has alleged that South Africa
tacitly supported a failed 2004 coup in the oil-rich African
nation.
Mann, who was
released from prison earlier this month, said he believed that
the operation had the unwritten consent of South African
intelligence.
57 years old
Mann said, “Because, if they are very good friends of the new
government, it would be of great benefit to South Africa because
they know perfectly well that billions of dollars are at stake.”
The ex-special
forces officer was arrested in Zimbabwe along with 70
other mercenaries en route to Equatorial Guinea aboard a plane.
Extradited to
Equatorial Guinea, he was sentenced in July 2008 for conspiring
to topple President Theodore Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. He was
pardoned on health grounds, having served just over one year of
a 34-year sentence.
During his
trial, Mann portrayed himself as a pawn of international
businessmen he said were trying to seize power and named the son
of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as being
involved - an allegation Mark Thatcher has denied.
REUTERS/Yinka
