Zimbabwe seizes 64 'mercenaries' at airport

Zimbabwean authorities have seized a US-registered cargo plane carrying 64 “suspected mercenaries” and military equipment, Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mahadi said today.

The Boeing 727-100 was detained at Harare’s main airport last night after its owners allegedly made “a false declaration of its cargo and crew”, Mahadi said at a news briefing.

“The plane was actually carrying 64 suspected mercenaries of various nationalities,” Mohadi said. “Further investigations also revealed that on board was military material.”

The plane was moved to a nearby military base for further inquiries, he said.

It was not immediately clear where the plane had come from, or what its purpose was.

Mohadi gave no further information, but said full details would be released once officials have established “the true identities of the men and their ultimate mission.”

President Robert Mugabe has repeatedly accused the United States and Britain of plotting to overthrow his autocratic regime.