No prisoner transfer for alleged SA mercenaries

The department of foreign affairs says it does not have a prisoner transfer arrangement with any government in the world. The department was reacting to a question whether the alleged South African mercenaries being held in Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea, could be brought home to face charges here. Prisoner transfer agreements differ from extradition treaties, which apply when a suspect from one country is not suspected of any crime in the other country.

The department says it will monitor the court proceedings in both countries. It says part of its responsibilities will be to ensure that the South African detainees get a fair trial. Sixty-five suspected mercenaries, among them 20 South Africans are expected to appear in a Harare court today. Seven other South Africans are being held in Equatorial Guinea. Both groups have been linked to an alleged plot to topple Teodoro Obiang Nguema, the president of Equatorial Guinea. One of the South Africans being held in Equatorial Guinea has appeared on that country's television service and confirmed the plot.

Meanwhile, Mosioua Lekota, the defence minister, says the arrest of the alleged mercenaries in Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea will not adversely affect its peacekeeping role and promotion of democracy role Africa. - Sapa