ZIMbobWE seizes US cargo Plane and Mercenaries
GunsssR4ever
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ZIMbobWE seizes US cargo Plane and Mercenaries
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3543651.stm
Zimbabwe 'seizes US cargo plane'
A US-registered cargo plane with 64 suspected mercenaries on board has been impounded
in Harare, Zimbabwe's Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi has said.
The Boeing 727-100 was held on Sunday after it had "made a false declaration of its
cargo and crew," Mr Mohadi said.
He said the plane was carrying mercenaries of differing nationalities and "military
material".
A spokeswoman from the US embassy in the Zimbabwean capital could not confirm or deny
the reports.
"A United States of America-registered Boeing 727-100 cargo plane was detained last
night at about 1930 hours (1730 GMT) at Harare International Airport after its owners
had made a false declaration of its cargo and crew," Mr Mohadi told reporters at a
news conference.
"The plane was actually carrying 64 suspected mercenaries of various nationalities,"
he was quoted as saying.
"Further investigations also revealed that on board the plane was military material."
The minister said an investigation was under way to establish the men's identities
and their "ultimate mission".
The plane is believed to have been moved to a military base, but it is not
immediately clear what has happened to those on board the plane.
Zimbabwe 'seizes US cargo plane'
A US-registered cargo plane with 64 suspected mercenaries on board has been impounded
in Harare, Zimbabwe's Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi has said.
The Boeing 727-100 was held on Sunday after it had "made a false declaration of its
cargo and crew," Mr Mohadi said.
He said the plane was carrying mercenaries of differing nationalities and "military
material".
A spokeswoman from the US embassy in the Zimbabwean capital could not confirm or deny
the reports.
"A United States of America-registered Boeing 727-100 cargo plane was detained last
night at about 1930 hours (1730 GMT) at Harare International Airport after its owners
had made a false declaration of its cargo and crew," Mr Mohadi told reporters at a
news conference.
"The plane was actually carrying 64 suspected mercenaries of various nationalities,"
he was quoted as saying.
"Further investigations also revealed that on board the plane was military material."
The minister said an investigation was under way to establish the men's identities
and their "ultimate mission".
The plane is believed to have been moved to a military base, but it is not
immediately clear what has happened to those on board the plane.
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The Plot Thickens...??
Another report -
US: 'Zim plane not one of ours'
08/03/2004 18:52 - (SA)
Zimbabwe seizes US plane
US: 'We were not informed'
Washington - A Boeing 727-100 cargo plane seized by Zimbabwe at Harare international airport is not an American aircraft contrary to claims made by Zimbabwe's government, a US State Department official said on Monday.
"It's not a US plane. It is not a US registered aircraft right now," the official said on condition anonymity.
Zimbabwe Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi said on Monday that a US-registered aircraft, carrying military equipment and 64 suspected mercenaries, had been impounded by the Zimbabwe authorities on Sunday.
The State Department official here said the mystery aircraft was not US-registered and had not been carrying any US nationals.
"It is not a US government or a US commercial aircraft as far as we know. I understand that at one point back in the 1970's someone may have owned it in the US but it hasn't been a US aircraft since the early 80's," the official explained.
"I have no idea who owns it. There is no US citizen on board," the official said as the mystery over the plane's ownership and crew continued to deepen.
In Zimboland - anything is possible....
All I hope is that the crew and pax have been afforded some common decency - but then I doubt it... the Zim goons will be rubbing their hands in glee and anticipation of some huge scandal - if there is NOT one, they will invent one...
R
US: 'Zim plane not one of ours'
08/03/2004 18:52 - (SA)
Zimbabwe seizes US plane
US: 'We were not informed'
Washington - A Boeing 727-100 cargo plane seized by Zimbabwe at Harare international airport is not an American aircraft contrary to claims made by Zimbabwe's government, a US State Department official said on Monday.
"It's not a US plane. It is not a US registered aircraft right now," the official said on condition anonymity.
Zimbabwe Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi said on Monday that a US-registered aircraft, carrying military equipment and 64 suspected mercenaries, had been impounded by the Zimbabwe authorities on Sunday.
The State Department official here said the mystery aircraft was not US-registered and had not been carrying any US nationals.
"It is not a US government or a US commercial aircraft as far as we know. I understand that at one point back in the 1970's someone may have owned it in the US but it hasn't been a US aircraft since the early 80's," the official explained.
"I have no idea who owns it. There is no US citizen on board," the official said as the mystery over the plane's ownership and crew continued to deepen.
In Zimboland - anything is possible....
All I hope is that the crew and pax have been afforded some common decency - but then I doubt it... the Zim goons will be rubbing their hands in glee and anticipation of some huge scandal - if there is NOT one, they will invent one...
R
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According to Reuters:
and
I would really hate to be stuck in a Zimboland jail..whatever these "mercenaries" might have done, I hope they are treated fairly.
Reporters were taken aboard the plane to examine the cargo, which included a rubber dinghy, military uniforms, wire cutters, armour, compasses and other military hardware, said chief police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena.
Footage on state television showed a white plane with the figure N4610 printed on the body. Several army personnel were shown sifting through equipment including what appeared to be army boots, communication radios and sleeping bags.
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration records show N4610 to be a 727 plane registered to Dodson Aviation based in Ottawa, Kansas. Dodson Aviation said it sold the plane in question about a week ago to an African company called Logo.
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration records show N4610 to be a 727 plane registered to Dodson Aviation based in Ottawa, Kansas. Dodson Aviation said it sold the plane in question about a week ago to an African company called Logo.
Gatvol
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N-number : N4610
Aircraft Serial Number : 18811
Aircraft Manufacturer : BOEING
Model : 727-35
Aircraft Year :
Owner Name : DODSON AVIATION INC
Owner Address : 2110 MONTANA RD
OTTAWA, KS, 66067-8518
Type of Owner : Corporation
Registration Date : 22-May-2002
Airworthiness Certificate Type : Not Specified
Even if you get caught in bed with the Bosses Wife.........Deny it.
Aircraft Serial Number : 18811
Aircraft Manufacturer : BOEING
Model : 727-35
Aircraft Year :
Owner Name : DODSON AVIATION INC
Owner Address : 2110 MONTANA RD
OTTAWA, KS, 66067-8518
Type of Owner : Corporation
Registration Date : 22-May-2002
Airworthiness Certificate Type : Not Specified
Even if you get caught in bed with the Bosses Wife.........Deny it.
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But Dodson International is also a South African Construction company that fly/lease aircraft around Africa. Any connection??
Also 702 now report that the aircraft took off from Wonderboom 'Illegally' on Sunday.
Surely they would be mad to transit anywhere near Harare unless maybe it was a fuel problem/
Hope there are no RSA pilots sucked into this!!
Also 702 now report that the aircraft took off from Wonderboom 'Illegally' on Sunday.
Surely they would be mad to transit anywhere near Harare unless maybe it was a fuel problem/
Hope there are no RSA pilots sucked into this!!
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How do you take off illegally from Wonderboom? Does that mean he didn’t have a flight plan or does that mean he took off without t-off clearance or maybe he didn’t go through customs/immigration. Maybe he didn’t pre-flight the plane either…
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UNCLE SAM INVOLVED AGAIN???
Can it be that the yanks(CIA) are again using others to do the dirty work they can not/don't want to do? (After Mogudisho I think they got to know the African experience first hand.)
GunsssR4ever
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News
News from a Yahoo Newsgroup in SA :
Hi All
On Sunday the 7th March I was told that a B727-100 N4610 had landed at Wonderboom Airport North of Pretoria it was due to depart for another airport Pietersburg, at 1600 local.
Two of us went to see this plane before it departed, we photo'ed it, colours being white with a thin blue line below the windows. Painted squares on the tail (US flag) side engines (USAF roundal) below engine pods (serial no's) and rear air stairs, cicular painted marks on panels on hand holds.
N4610 ex National A/L, was transferred to the USAF and then to Dodsons Aviation. I believe that this reg and aircraft is genuine, Dodsons is represented in South Africa at Wonderboom A/P, and N4610 was sitting outside their hangar. Standing inside the hangar were, I would say at least 15-20 Black people with bags, cases etc.
Nobody stopped us taking photo's, but we could see that the maintenance/crew? were not happy.
On Sunday the 7th March I was told that a B727-100 N4610 had landed at Wonderboom Airport North of Pretoria it was due to depart for another airport Pietersburg, at 1600 local.
Two of us went to see this plane before it departed, we photo'ed it, colours being white with a thin blue line below the windows. Painted squares on the tail (US flag) side engines (USAF roundal) below engine pods (serial no's) and rear air stairs, cicular painted marks on panels on hand holds.
N4610 ex National A/L, was transferred to the USAF and then to Dodsons Aviation. I believe that this reg and aircraft is genuine, Dodsons is represented in South Africa at Wonderboom A/P, and N4610 was sitting outside their hangar. Standing inside the hangar were, I would say at least 15-20 Black people with bags, cases etc.
Nobody stopped us taking photo's, but we could see that the maintenance/crew? were not happy.
GunsssR4ever
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Some snippets ..
Here are some snippets from Newsgroups all over the World
According to Dutch newspapers, Dodson states that they sold this aircraft to
a South African company named Logo one week ago. Logo wasn't available for
comments...
Pilots: xxxx and xxxx (names withheld although it appeared in newspapers) = Can not believe they are so stupid to do a coup as mickey mouse as this ? EDITED : Why I feel like this is because of the SA Mercenary laws. Sh&t like this does nobdy good that wants to earn an honest living in Iraq or wherever without being cited as a mercenary
The CAA (SA) states that the aircraft apparently departed illegally from Wonderboom on a cross border flight.
Incidentally, wonder if there is any connection between this apparently sinister 727 operation and the US-Regd 727 which was stolen and flown out of Luanda last year?
Incidentally, wonder if there is any connection between this apparently sinister 727 operation and the US-Regd 727 which was stolen and flown out of Luanda last year?
According to Dutch newspapers, Dodson states that they sold this aircraft to
a South African company named Logo one week ago. Logo wasn't available for
comments...
intelligence sources
said the plane could have been on its way to West Africa, perhaps
headed for a threatening coup in Equatorial Guinea, a small
former-Spanish colony wedged between Cameroon and Gabon.
Its capital, Malabo, is on an island off Cameroon's coast. Oil was
recently discovered in its waters.
Technical
The newspaper also indicated that the elderly cargo plane originated
in South Africa and may have been forced to land in Harare because of
a technical problem.
said the plane could have been on its way to West Africa, perhaps
headed for a threatening coup in Equatorial Guinea, a small
former-Spanish colony wedged between Cameroon and Gabon.
Its capital, Malabo, is on an island off Cameroon's coast. Oil was
recently discovered in its waters.
Technical
The newspaper also indicated that the elderly cargo plane originated
in South Africa and may have been forced to land in Harare because of
a technical problem.
Pilots: xxxx and xxxx (names withheld although it appeared in newspapers) = Can not believe they are so stupid to do a coup as mickey mouse as this ? EDITED : Why I feel like this is because of the SA Mercenary laws. Sh&t like this does nobdy good that wants to earn an honest living in Iraq or wherever without being cited as a mercenary
Last edited by Gunship; 9th Mar 2004 at 20:41.
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Gunns,
Is that **** *****or *****? Any connection with ex-Capricorn Systems ?
'US' plane took off from SA
09/03/2004 10:50__-_(SA)__
Pretoria - A plane carrying 64 suspected mercenaries, that Zimbabwe claims was registered in the United States, took off illegally from South Africa, before being impounded in Harare on Sunday, South African aviation authorities said on Tuesday.
"We have discovered that it took off from Wonderboom airport (north of Pretoria) which is not an international airport," said Moses Seate, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
"It is illegal to leave the country from an airport that is not designated as an international departure point," said Seate.
A CAA investigator is preparing a report which is to be issued later on Tuesday, he added.
Zimbabwe home affairs minister Kembo Mohadi said on Monday that a US-registered aircraft, carrying military equipment and 64 suspected mercenaries, had been impounded by the Zimbabwe authorities on Sunday.
But the US State Department said it was unable to confirm the report, while adding that there was no indication it was connected to the US government.'US' plane took off from SA
Is that **** *****or *****? Any connection with ex-Capricorn Systems ?
'US' plane took off from SA
09/03/2004 10:50__-_(SA)__
Pretoria - A plane carrying 64 suspected mercenaries, that Zimbabwe claims was registered in the United States, took off illegally from South Africa, before being impounded in Harare on Sunday, South African aviation authorities said on Tuesday.
"We have discovered that it took off from Wonderboom airport (north of Pretoria) which is not an international airport," said Moses Seate, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
"It is illegal to leave the country from an airport that is not designated as an international departure point," said Seate.
A CAA investigator is preparing a report which is to be issued later on Tuesday, he added.
Zimbabwe home affairs minister Kembo Mohadi said on Monday that a US-registered aircraft, carrying military equipment and 64 suspected mercenaries, had been impounded by the Zimbabwe authorities on Sunday.
But the US State Department said it was unable to confirm the report, while adding that there was no indication it was connected to the US government.'US' plane took off from SA
Last edited by planecrazi; 9th Mar 2004 at 22:59.
GunsssR4ever
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Edited names to please Bert ...
Bert I will not say something here that I sucked to blast a mate.
As I said it is in the Afrikaans Newspaper, Beeld.
ALL I have posted comes out of newspapers.
Bert I will not say something here that I sucked to blast a mate.
As I said it is in the Afrikaans Newspaper, Beeld.
ALL I have posted comes out of newspapers.
Last edited by Gunship; 9th Mar 2004 at 20:34.
Gatvol
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Guns, of all people. Dont you think the less mentioned of this situation on PPrune, the easier it could be on those still stuck in Zimboonland?? You may not be helping some of your friends..
Warloc67 writes:"Can it be that the yanks(CIA) are again using others to do the dirty work they can not/don't want to do?"
Now thats a nice comment from someone watching their own backyard go down the crapper. Let me know when Aristide becomes your neighbor or better yet takes your house. Also thank you for your tax money to support Thabos latest fiasco.
Warloc67 writes:"Can it be that the yanks(CIA) are again using others to do the dirty work they can not/don't want to do?"
Now thats a nice comment from someone watching their own backyard go down the crapper. Let me know when Aristide becomes your neighbor or better yet takes your house. Also thank you for your tax money to support Thabos latest fiasco.
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Zim on "High Alert" after seizing "mercenaries"
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Although it is pretty obvious at this stage that the only crimes seem to be the US reg. and the white skins of some of the passengers as well as incomplete paperwork.
What a pulicity coup for the murdering tyranical nutcase! Mugbabes must be hopping with joy!
Does anybody suspect Irwin has anything to do with this?
V1
What a pulicity coup for the murdering tyranical nutcase! Mugbabes must be hopping with joy!
Does anybody suspect Irwin has anything to do with this?
V1
GunsssR4ever
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BBC News
BBC News at 1700 GMT states that there are 2 stories now.
1. 16 "Mercenaries" captured in Eq Guinea who was there since January and the leader confirmed they wanted to do a coup
What a joke.
2. The plane's owner of the charter organisations spokesman in London says it was a flight of "cargo" and personel for security at a mine in the DRC. (sounds like the coreect version as there are no weapons)
1. 16 "Mercenaries" captured in Eq Guinea who was there since January and the leader confirmed they wanted to do a coup
What a joke.2. The plane's owner of the charter organisations spokesman in London says it was a flight of "cargo" and personel for security at a mine in the DRC. (sounds like the coreect version as there are no weapons)
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The latest news says that the arrest was actually a sting operation by the Zimbabwean police.
Logo is a company registered in Jersey.
It seems that the 'mercenaries' were part of a coup attempt against Equatorial Guinea, recruited by a British man and were mostly South African members of the former 'Buffalo Battalion'. 16 men have also been arrested in Equatorial Guinea.
The whole episode was compared to a novel by Frederick Forsythe
Logo is a company registered in Jersey.
It seems that the 'mercenaries' were part of a coup attempt against Equatorial Guinea, recruited by a British man and were mostly South African members of the former 'Buffalo Battalion'. 16 men have also been arrested in Equatorial Guinea.
The whole episode was compared to a novel by Frederick Forsythe
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Bolt cutters vs Mug's b@lls...??
No contest there Bert - he hasn't got any...!!!
Various rumours - 1. that the Rhodie's removed them while he was in prison (unlikely - they wouldnt want to touch em')
2. that he lost them compliments of a nasty itch he got after too many Zambezi blondes... (likely)
About 4/5 years back I was offered a job on a mine in the DRC and/or Angola - US$'s and all - I declined as was having too much fun at the time here...
These may well have been contract staff for the mine(s) - the equipment fits the bill that the guys would take and the story of picking up mining equipment is also valid.
Problem, tho' is that the aeri cleared from Wondertree without customs, why, who knows.
Now Bert, next time we are in Zim I'm not letting you talk to ANYONE.. and no sweeties either.. that accent of yours will have the whole place on high alert and they will confiscate all our chip dip...!
Here hoping the guys will be treated decently - but I doubt it. The dictator's favorite ploy of "parading" the prisoners does not bode well.
Oh - and who has heard the SA governmunt say a word to assist the guys, not me - oh, plently words mentioning 'mercenaries, illegal' and the like, but nothing else.
How does it go - "innocent until proven...." not in Africa it dont...!
No contest there Bert - he hasn't got any...!!!
Various rumours - 1. that the Rhodie's removed them while he was in prison (unlikely - they wouldnt want to touch em')
2. that he lost them compliments of a nasty itch he got after too many Zambezi blondes... (likely)
About 4/5 years back I was offered a job on a mine in the DRC and/or Angola - US$'s and all - I declined as was having too much fun at the time here...
These may well have been contract staff for the mine(s) - the equipment fits the bill that the guys would take and the story of picking up mining equipment is also valid.
Problem, tho' is that the aeri cleared from Wondertree without customs, why, who knows.
Now Bert, next time we are in Zim I'm not letting you talk to ANYONE.. and no sweeties either.. that accent of yours will have the whole place on high alert and they will confiscate all our chip dip...!
Here hoping the guys will be treated decently - but I doubt it. The dictator's favorite ploy of "parading" the prisoners does not bode well.
Oh - and who has heard the SA governmunt say a word to assist the guys, not me - oh, plently words mentioning 'mercenaries, illegal' and the like, but nothing else.
How does it go - "innocent until proven...." not in Africa it dont...!
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Oh my, oh my - even the neighbors on getting in on the issue...
The latest - below..
But - confirmed that they departed from Pietersberg civil, after clearing customs.
Equatorial Guinea nabs 15 from mystery plane
March 09 2004 at 05:48PM
By Cris Chinaka
Harare - The mystery over 64 foreigners being held in Zimbabwe as suspected mercenaries deepened on Tuesday when Equatorial Guinea said it had arrested a 15-strong "advance party" from the same group.
Zimbabwe put its army on full alert following Sunday's seizure of a United States-registered 727-100 cargo plane that government officials said was carrying the suspected mercenaries and a cargo of military material.
The operator of the plane said on Tuesday the men had been bound for the Democratic Republic of Congo to work as security guards on mines, and the aircraft had only stopped in Zimbabwe to pick up mining equipment.
Charles Burrows, a senior executive of Logo Logistics Ltd, said most of the people on board were South African and had military experience, but were on contract to four mining companies in Congo.
Zimbabwean officials said the plane - which left South Africa legally on Sunday with a flight plan for Harare - "made a false declaration of cargo and crew" and its passengers had been detained pending investigations.
Officials in the tiny West African nation of Equatorial Guinea said they had arrested 15 suspected mercenaries believed to be linked to the same operation.
"Some 15 mercenaries have been arrested here in Equatorial Guinea and it was connected with that plane in Zimbabwe. They were the advance party of that group," Information Minister Agustin Nse Nfumu told reporters.
The arrests come amid speculation among exiled opposition politicians that a coup was in the offing.
Burrows, whose company is registered in Britain's Channel Islands, denied any connection between the group detained in Harare and those arrested in Equatorial Guinea.
"I haven't the foggiest idea of what they're talking about," he said by telephone from London.
In Zimbabwe, officials said the detained plane was carrying "military material". State television footage of the plane's cargo showed sleeping bags, satellite phones, knives, bolt cutters and green camouflage uniforms, but no firearms.
"We have mobilised all our security organs to get to the bottom of this case," said a government official who declined to be identified, adding that the army had been put on high alert.
South African air traffic control said the plane had left Johannesburg on Sunday and made a stop at Wonderboom airport near Pretoria. From there it flew to the northern South African town of Polokwane, where it took on some 63 passengers and completed departure formalities.
Craig Partridge, a spokesperson for South Africa's Air Traffic and Navigation Services, said the plane had filed full flight plans showing it would travel to Harare and from there to Bujumbura in Burundi on Congo's eastern border.
Zimbabwe officials said no formal charges had yet been laid against the passengers. Zimbabwe's cabinet was expected to be briefed on the situation at its weekly meeting on Tuesday.
The latest - below..
But - confirmed that they departed from Pietersberg civil, after clearing customs.
Equatorial Guinea nabs 15 from mystery plane
March 09 2004 at 05:48PM
By Cris Chinaka
Harare - The mystery over 64 foreigners being held in Zimbabwe as suspected mercenaries deepened on Tuesday when Equatorial Guinea said it had arrested a 15-strong "advance party" from the same group.
Zimbabwe put its army on full alert following Sunday's seizure of a United States-registered 727-100 cargo plane that government officials said was carrying the suspected mercenaries and a cargo of military material.
The operator of the plane said on Tuesday the men had been bound for the Democratic Republic of Congo to work as security guards on mines, and the aircraft had only stopped in Zimbabwe to pick up mining equipment.
Charles Burrows, a senior executive of Logo Logistics Ltd, said most of the people on board were South African and had military experience, but were on contract to four mining companies in Congo.
Zimbabwean officials said the plane - which left South Africa legally on Sunday with a flight plan for Harare - "made a false declaration of cargo and crew" and its passengers had been detained pending investigations.
Officials in the tiny West African nation of Equatorial Guinea said they had arrested 15 suspected mercenaries believed to be linked to the same operation.
"Some 15 mercenaries have been arrested here in Equatorial Guinea and it was connected with that plane in Zimbabwe. They were the advance party of that group," Information Minister Agustin Nse Nfumu told reporters.
The arrests come amid speculation among exiled opposition politicians that a coup was in the offing.
Burrows, whose company is registered in Britain's Channel Islands, denied any connection between the group detained in Harare and those arrested in Equatorial Guinea.
"I haven't the foggiest idea of what they're talking about," he said by telephone from London.
In Zimbabwe, officials said the detained plane was carrying "military material". State television footage of the plane's cargo showed sleeping bags, satellite phones, knives, bolt cutters and green camouflage uniforms, but no firearms.
"We have mobilised all our security organs to get to the bottom of this case," said a government official who declined to be identified, adding that the army had been put on high alert.
South African air traffic control said the plane had left Johannesburg on Sunday and made a stop at Wonderboom airport near Pretoria. From there it flew to the northern South African town of Polokwane, where it took on some 63 passengers and completed departure formalities.
Craig Partridge, a spokesperson for South Africa's Air Traffic and Navigation Services, said the plane had filed full flight plans showing it would travel to Harare and from there to Bujumbura in Burundi on Congo's eastern border.
Zimbabwe officials said no formal charges had yet been laid against the passengers. Zimbabwe's cabinet was expected to be briefed on the situation at its weekly meeting on Tuesday.