SA 'paid for mercenary release'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.VICTORIA (Reuter) - South Africa paid the Seychelles government dollars 3m (pounds 1.6m) to free mercenaries captured in an abortive 1981 coup, President Albert Rene told reporters yesterday. Mr Rene was the man the mercenaries aimed to overthrow, and his statement, made after victory in the Seychelles' first multi-party election, resolved one of the puzzles left by the affair.
Fifty armed men led by 'Mad' Mike Hoare, a veteran British mercenary, flew to the islands in November 1981, posing as rugby players. Detected at customs when an AK-47 rifle fell out of a suitcase, Hoare and all but six of his companions hijacked a plane and escaped back to South Africa. South Africa, no friend of Mr Rene's socialist government, denied sponsoring the coup and sentenced Hoare and other leaders to mild prison terms for hijacking.
The six mercenaries captured were freed in 1983 in what was officially described as an act of clemency by Mr Rene's government.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments