ZIMbobWE seizes US cargo Plane and Mercenaries
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The SA governmunt should get their A into gear and do the trade and get these poor okes home. Bob is obviously trying to delay the "transaction" for as long as he can for obvious reasons. The way the oil price is going now, he has allready made a 25% return on his "Investment" Bas
rd
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The rumor I heard, it was Equatorial Guinea and Zim negotiating a "fuel for blood¨ trade, not SA ! its all nasty stuff......very African, and could end tragically if something isnt done pretty soon 
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Ya Longdrop, I also heard that one. I would rather hope the rumour about SA is true than EG. Whatever it takes to get them out of Zim, and away from EG. They don't stand much chance in either place. Hopefully there is some substance to the SA rumour.
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Pray for a positive result.
Court to decide on alleged mercenaries' fate
June 08 2004 at 01:24PM
The Pretoria High Court is to deliver a ruling on Wednesday on whether 70 suspected mercenaries held in Zimbabwe on charges of plotting a coup in Equatorial Guinea should face trial in South Africa.
The families of the alleged soldiers of fortune are asking the court to force the South African government to seek the extradition of the 70 men or take measures to prevent them from being sent to Equatorial Guinea, where they could face the death penalty.
During three days of hearings in Pretoria in late May, lawyers for the families argued that the lives of the 70 men from South Africa, Namibia and Angola, who were all travelling on South African passports, are at stake.
"The lives of these men will be in the South African government's hands. Government has to act now in terms of our constitution and in respect of human rights," lawyer Francois Joubert said.
"These men need protection. We cannot think of any other way that they can seek the protection they need in their dire circumstances."
But the South African government contended that it should not be forced to take action in the case as it would set a precedent for all other nationals held abroad.
President Thabo Mbeki's government has also stated that it does not have strong enough evidence to seek their extradition from Zimbabwe where they are being held at the Chikurubi maximum security prison on the outskirts of Harare.
Justice Bernard Ngwepe is to hand down his ruling early on Wednesday, the lawyers said.
The 70 men were arrested on March 7 in Harare after taking off in a private plane from South Africa, allegedly en route to Equatorial Guinea to topple President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, the long-time leader of the oil-rich country.
The men deny the charges and maintain they were going to the Democratic Republic of Congo where they were to guard a diamond mine.
The group faces possible extradition to Equatorial Guinea, where they could be sentenced to death along with 15 other alleged mercenaries who have been arrested on similar charges in the capital, Malabo.
At their last court appearance in Harare on May 26, the 70 men were ordered held in custody until Thursday when a date for the trial could be set.
Obiang held talks with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on April 28 after which an official said that Mugabe had agreed to hand over the men for trial in Equatorial Guinea.
There has not, however, been any official statement from the Zimbabwe government about extraditing the 70 men.
South Africa has pledged to work for a fair trial for the mercenaries but underlined that it would not interfere in the legal process until judgment had been delivered. - Sapa-AFP
June 08 2004 at 01:24PM
The Pretoria High Court is to deliver a ruling on Wednesday on whether 70 suspected mercenaries held in Zimbabwe on charges of plotting a coup in Equatorial Guinea should face trial in South Africa.
The families of the alleged soldiers of fortune are asking the court to force the South African government to seek the extradition of the 70 men or take measures to prevent them from being sent to Equatorial Guinea, where they could face the death penalty.
During three days of hearings in Pretoria in late May, lawyers for the families argued that the lives of the 70 men from South Africa, Namibia and Angola, who were all travelling on South African passports, are at stake.
"The lives of these men will be in the South African government's hands. Government has to act now in terms of our constitution and in respect of human rights," lawyer Francois Joubert said.
"These men need protection. We cannot think of any other way that they can seek the protection they need in their dire circumstances."
But the South African government contended that it should not be forced to take action in the case as it would set a precedent for all other nationals held abroad.
President Thabo Mbeki's government has also stated that it does not have strong enough evidence to seek their extradition from Zimbabwe where they are being held at the Chikurubi maximum security prison on the outskirts of Harare.
Justice Bernard Ngwepe is to hand down his ruling early on Wednesday, the lawyers said.
The 70 men were arrested on March 7 in Harare after taking off in a private plane from South Africa, allegedly en route to Equatorial Guinea to topple President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, the long-time leader of the oil-rich country.
The men deny the charges and maintain they were going to the Democratic Republic of Congo where they were to guard a diamond mine.
The group faces possible extradition to Equatorial Guinea, where they could be sentenced to death along with 15 other alleged mercenaries who have been arrested on similar charges in the capital, Malabo.
At their last court appearance in Harare on May 26, the 70 men were ordered held in custody until Thursday when a date for the trial could be set.
Obiang held talks with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on April 28 after which an official said that Mugabe had agreed to hand over the men for trial in Equatorial Guinea.
There has not, however, been any official statement from the Zimbabwe government about extraditing the 70 men.
South Africa has pledged to work for a fair trial for the mercenaries but underlined that it would not interfere in the legal process until judgment had been delivered. - Sapa-AFP
Gatvol
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I am certainly not real knowledgable about South Africa and the things that go on behind the scene. From what I can gather with the changes in Government, that the new Government wants not much to do with these folks be they white or black. I think this is a loss for South Africa.
They are , for the most part South Africans and would still be in the South African military doing service for their country were it not for the politics.
Hopefully the SA Government will recognize this and bring these folks home. I think they could also use them to strengthen the SANDF if feelings could finally be put aside a bit.
Just my two cents.
They are , for the most part South Africans and would still be in the South African military doing service for their country were it not for the politics.
Hopefully the SA Government will recognize this and bring these folks home. I think they could also use them to strengthen the SANDF if feelings could finally be put aside a bit.
Just my two cents.
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Zim 70 to be tried in Harare.
News 24 09.06/2004 09.50.
The Pretoria High Court has refused to order the State to seek the return of 70 South Africans held in Zimbabwe on suspicion of plotting a coup d'etat in E.G.
So it appears that Mbeki have decided to abandon his citizens. What a joke! The train of thought along this is clear. F them. Live by the sword, die by the sword. It is patently clear that the present South African Government have no interest in its people (white or black), are not interested in dispensing proper justice, and it calls itself a democracy? Beware people, beware! The dogs are now beginning to bark at the wrong color......
News 24 09.06/2004 09.50.
The Pretoria High Court has refused to order the State to seek the return of 70 South Africans held in Zimbabwe on suspicion of plotting a coup d'etat in E.G.
So it appears that Mbeki have decided to abandon his citizens. What a joke! The train of thought along this is clear. F
them. Live by the sword, die by the sword. It is patently clear that the present South African Government have no interest in its people (white or black), are not interested in dispensing proper justice, and it calls itself a democracy? Beware people, beware! The dogs are now beginning to bark at the wrong color......
The latest....
From AFP, 9 June
"South African court rejects bid to bring suspected mercenaries home
Pretoria - A South African court rejected a complaint from the families of 70 suspected mercenaries held in Zimbabwe demanding that President Thabo Mbeki's government take action to bring the men back to South Africa. Justice Bernard Ngoepe of the Pretoria high court dismissed the case, saying there was not enough evidence to force the South African government to seek the extradition of the 70 men, who are accused of plotting a coup in Equatorial Guinea. "The application is dismissed," said Ngoepe. The ruling meant that the 70 alleged soldiers of fortune will likely face trial in Zimbabwe, unless President Robert Mugabe's government hands them over to Equatorial Guinea. The families of the men had asked the court to force the South African government to bring the 70 men back home to face trial in South Africa or take measures to prevent them from being extradited to Equatorial Guinea, where they could face the death penalty. During three days of hearings in Pretoria in late May, lawyers for the families argued that the lives of the men from South Africa, Namibia and Angola, who were all travelling on South African passports, were at stake. But the judge disagreed with the families' contention that the South African government was not fulfilling its obligation to protect its nationals. "There is no evidence that the government is refusing to make the intervention requested by the applicants," he ruled. Ngoepe also found that the South African authorities had "the discretion to decide whether to prosecute or not" the suspected mercenaries and should not be forced by the courts to act."
From AFP, 9 June
"South African court rejects bid to bring suspected mercenaries home
Pretoria - A South African court rejected a complaint from the families of 70 suspected mercenaries held in Zimbabwe demanding that President Thabo Mbeki's government take action to bring the men back to South Africa. Justice Bernard Ngoepe of the Pretoria high court dismissed the case, saying there was not enough evidence to force the South African government to seek the extradition of the 70 men, who are accused of plotting a coup in Equatorial Guinea. "The application is dismissed," said Ngoepe. The ruling meant that the 70 alleged soldiers of fortune will likely face trial in Zimbabwe, unless President Robert Mugabe's government hands them over to Equatorial Guinea. The families of the men had asked the court to force the South African government to bring the 70 men back home to face trial in South Africa or take measures to prevent them from being extradited to Equatorial Guinea, where they could face the death penalty. During three days of hearings in Pretoria in late May, lawyers for the families argued that the lives of the men from South Africa, Namibia and Angola, who were all travelling on South African passports, were at stake. But the judge disagreed with the families' contention that the South African government was not fulfilling its obligation to protect its nationals. "There is no evidence that the government is refusing to make the intervention requested by the applicants," he ruled. Ngoepe also found that the South African authorities had "the discretion to decide whether to prosecute or not" the suspected mercenaries and should not be forced by the courts to act."
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“There is no evidence that the government is refusing to make the intervention requested by the applicants “………….the question that has to be asked.....WHERE IS THE EVDENCE THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO MAKE THE INTERVENTION.
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Below is an excerpt from a later news report:
Transvaal Judge President Bernard Ngoepe refused to order the State to seek the return of 70 South Africans held in Zimbabwe on suspicion of plotting a coup d'etat in Equatorial Guinea.
He said the South African authorities did not have adequate evidence to prosecute the men at home for mercenary activities.
The highlighted comment refers back to what has previously been discussed.
IF - the SA government did not have the 'evidence' then why and what 'crime' did they inform the Zimbabwe authorities of...?
This is sickening.
I do not make the following comment lightly, and also against my better judgement - but - I have a fairly substantial amount of money in Zimbabwe. If anyone knows of a GENUINE need of assistance by some family members there, I can assist. I do NOT want to hear from any con artists or anyone not directly involved. If you wish to discuss, please PM me directly.
Rhodie.
Transvaal Judge President Bernard Ngoepe refused to order the State to seek the return of 70 South Africans held in Zimbabwe on suspicion of plotting a coup d'etat in Equatorial Guinea.
He said the South African authorities did not have adequate evidence to prosecute the men at home for mercenary activities.
The highlighted comment refers back to what has previously been discussed.
IF - the SA government did not have the 'evidence' then why and what 'crime' did they inform the Zimbabwe authorities of...?
This is sickening.
I do not make the following comment lightly, and also against my better judgement - but - I have a fairly substantial amount of money in Zimbabwe. If anyone knows of a GENUINE need of assistance by some family members there, I can assist. I do NOT want to hear from any con artists or anyone not directly involved. If you wish to discuss, please PM me directly.
Rhodie.
GunsssR4ever
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U star
You are a star Rhodie ! 
The account details are as follows (Trust Account of Attorney's A. Griebenow Inc )
Bank : ABSA Bank
Branch Code: 632 005
Name : A.Griebenow Inc.
Trust acc #: 405 189 3559
Ref : LSR
Swift Code : ABSAZAJJ
{EDITED} If needed the address for the bank branch is:
Trust Bank Centre
Hoof Street, No. 5
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
3500
No promises for repay can be made - but they ask to keep your slips please with your initials after the REF # and a three figure "pin" of you choice (optional).
Believe me the families needs all it can get !
Thanks in advance on their behalf.
God Bless you and others prepared to assist.
Gunsss
The account details are as follows (Trust Account of Attorney's A. Griebenow Inc )
Bank : ABSA Bank
Branch Code: 632 005
Name : A.Griebenow Inc.
Trust acc #: 405 189 3559
Ref : LSR
Swift Code : ABSAZAJJ
{EDITED} If needed the address for the bank branch is:
Trust Bank Centre
Hoof Street, No. 5
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
3500
No promises for repay can be made - but they ask to keep your slips please with your initials after the REF # and a three figure "pin" of you choice (optional).
Believe me the families needs all it can get !
Thanks in advance on their behalf.
God Bless you and others prepared to assist.
Gunsss
Last edited by Gunship; 10th Jun 2004 at 15:57.
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Confirm this is the same bunch of #%*&@@ who couldn't do enough for, and fell over themselves to get their crony McBride out of a Moz prison for gun running?
Verily, the mind doth boggle........
(Edited to tone down description of SA Govt)
Verily, the mind doth boggle........
(Edited to tone down description of SA Govt)
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Mmmmm, bad news! I am of the opinion (my opinion only) that this court case has not been a good thing for the boys up there. With the judge rejecting the application, Mbeki, his government, Bob and his government, can now say that the course of justice was followed, that there is a high court order, so now no-one can interfere and say that justice was not followed. This gives Bob "carte blanche" to do whatever he wishes. Execute them, send them to EG, whatever! Its now cut & dry. Anyone who criticizes Mbeki or Bob on this subject again, will simply be referred to the High Court verdict. Its sickening!
It is patently clear that this is a severe case of "african justice". The law clearly states that no person is guilty until proven guilty. These guys are suspected of a crime, and to date it has not yet been proven that they have indeed committed a crime. Everyone is also entitled to an expeditious trial. Why are these men not being tried? Are they going to be left to rot in hell until dooms day? Where are the Human Rights Organisations, Red Cross and all the other UN organisations now?
Mbeki promised George Dubya at the G8 summit last year that he would have Zimbabwe sorted within 12 months. What has he done to date? Zip, absolutely zip! Twelve months passed and nothing was done to curb or control the utter madness of this dictator. Brotherhood my man, brotherhood!
All I can say is that this whole thing rots!
It is patently clear that this is a severe case of "african justice". The law clearly states that no person is guilty until proven guilty. These guys are suspected of a crime, and to date it has not yet been proven that they have indeed committed a crime. Everyone is also entitled to an expeditious trial. Why are these men not being tried? Are they going to be left to rot in hell until dooms day? Where are the Human Rights Organisations, Red Cross and all the other UN organisations now?
Mbeki promised George Dubya at the G8 summit last year that he would have Zimbabwe sorted within 12 months. What has he done to date? Zip, absolutely zip! Twelve months passed and nothing was done to curb or control the utter madness of this dictator. Brotherhood my man, brotherhood!
All I can say is that this whole thing rots!
Guns
I think that you will find that Rhodie can only use that money in Zimbabwe, so I'm not so sure that ABSA would work? Even then, with no "cash" money available in Zimbabwe, one still has a problem. If you have a solution, let me know, since I also have money tied up in Zim.
In the meantime Mugabe is spending 200m Z$'s on defence!? First six fighter aircraft due to arrive real soon.
In the meantime Mugabe is spending 200m Z$'s on defence!? First six fighter aircraft due to arrive real soon.
GunsssR4ever
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Clipboard : Very justified worries you raised there !
The Claw : You are right mate. I have requested the families to send me a Zim account as well, which they should have as they have Zim lawyers representing the guys.
Cheers,
Gunssss
The Claw : You are right mate. I have requested the families to send me a Zim account as well, which they should have as they have Zim lawyers representing the guys.
Cheers,
Gunssss
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Evening' All
Clip, Claw and Gunss - you are correct in that the money is in Zim dollars and in a Zim account. I can do sweet b#gger all with it here, as I cannot get it out. It will, however, pay for a serious bash at Caribbea Bay, for all of us for a month or two, or can be put to good use for the guys there.
I will wait to hear from you Gunss.
Longdrop - thanks for the kind words. As I said, I thought long and hard before making the post, but in the end, a positive result is just reward.
I just wish I could understand WHY the rest of the world does and says nothing.
Cheers
Rhodie
Sit Nomine Digna
Clip, Claw and Gunss - you are correct in that the money is in Zim dollars and in a Zim account. I can do sweet b#gger all with it here, as I cannot get it out. It will, however, pay for a serious bash at Caribbea Bay, for all of us for a month or two, or can be put to good use for the guys there.
I will wait to hear from you Gunss.
Longdrop - thanks for the kind words. As I said, I thought long and hard before making the post, but in the end, a positive result is just reward.
I just wish I could understand WHY the rest of the world does and says nothing.
Cheers
Rhodie
Sit Nomine Digna
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I'd laugh if it wasn't so tragic 
------------------------------
Zim 70 magistrate 'held'
News24: 10/06/2004
Kodzevu Sithole
Harare - The magistrate who has to decide the fate of the 70 alleged mercenaries being held in Zimbabwe got a taste on Thursday of the unpredictable nature of the country's security forces.
He was "held" for a while by prison personnel when he and two state prosecutors arrived at the maximum-security prison.
Witnesses report that magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe and the two state prosecutors, Lawrence Phiri and Stephen Musona, were searched before they entered Chikurubi Prison, and their entry was then obstructed "on higher orders".
Court proceedings were delayed by three hours.
During the hearing, it was determined the state had until June 24 to set a date for the trial.
Guvamombe said this was the last time he would postpone the case.
Several questions arise after 'incident'
The men, who are charged with planning a coup in Equatorial Guinea, were arrested on March 7 and have been held in Harare since then.
An attempt in Pretoria High Court to have the men extradited to South Africa and have the hearing take place there failed this week.
The incident with Guvamombe at court on Thursday spurred several questions, although he is seen as being well disposed towards the Zimbabwean government.
Judges and magistrates often have been threatened in the past or withdrawn from cases if the government felt they didn't have the state's best interests at heart.
Jonathan Samkange, the men's legal representative, said the men's families would be able to visit them on Friday.
------------------------------
Zim 70 magistrate 'held'
News24: 10/06/2004
Kodzevu Sithole
Harare - The magistrate who has to decide the fate of the 70 alleged mercenaries being held in Zimbabwe got a taste on Thursday of the unpredictable nature of the country's security forces.
He was "held" for a while by prison personnel when he and two state prosecutors arrived at the maximum-security prison.
Witnesses report that magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe and the two state prosecutors, Lawrence Phiri and Stephen Musona, were searched before they entered Chikurubi Prison, and their entry was then obstructed "on higher orders".
Court proceedings were delayed by three hours.
During the hearing, it was determined the state had until June 24 to set a date for the trial.
Guvamombe said this was the last time he would postpone the case.
Several questions arise after 'incident'
The men, who are charged with planning a coup in Equatorial Guinea, were arrested on March 7 and have been held in Harare since then.
An attempt in Pretoria High Court to have the men extradited to South Africa and have the hearing take place there failed this week.
The incident with Guvamombe at court on Thursday spurred several questions, although he is seen as being well disposed towards the Zimbabwean government.
Judges and magistrates often have been threatened in the past or withdrawn from cases if the government felt they didn't have the state's best interests at heart.
Jonathan Samkange, the men's legal representative, said the men's families would be able to visit them on Friday.
