Coup plotters guilty

ALL but three of 70 suspected mercenaries accused of plotting a coup in Equatorial Guinea pleaded guilty to lesser charges in Zimbabwe in hopes of early release from prison.

The 67 men admitted breaching Zimbabwe’s immigration and aviation laws, offences punishable by up to two years in jail.

Chief prosecutor Stephen Musona accepted the pleas, effectively dropping additional conspiracy charges and accusations of firearms and security violations.

Alleged coup leader Simon Mann, a former British SAS captain, and two associates still face the three more serious charges carrying a penalty of up to life in prison.