The Department of International Relations is investigating reports that another group of South African mercenaries are in Guinea-Conakry. The reports from the French media say the South Africans have been spotted training supporters of the military leader, Mousa Dadis Camara.

Camara seized power last year and became popular when he promised genuine democracy in Guinea-Conakry. He also said he would not stand for the Presidential elections. However things changed when civilians were massacred by his soldiers for calling on him not to contest the Presidential election.

Director General International Affairs and Co-operation, Ayanda Ntsaluba, says: “It has also been brought to our attention that there may well be South Africans in the business sector or there are companies that have connections with SA that they are under stress because of the activities of the military junta there.”

These reports come barely a week after the Equatorial Guinea government pardoned Simon Mann and four other South Africans for their alleged involvement in attempts to overthrow President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema.

Meanwhile, while some South Africans are caught up in mercenary activities, theirs may be short lived. This, when the Foreign Military Assistance Act, which deals with the prevention of mercenaries is implemented.