South Africa tightens anti-mercenary laws

South Africa has proposed tightening its anti-mercenary laws, a move that may hit its citizens working in Iraq.

The Government wants to clamp down on civilians fighting in foreign wars and to stamp out attempts to overthrow other African states.

The proposed bill follows the conviction of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's son for helping to finance a failed coup in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea that also involved scores of South Africans.