No Mercy For South African Mercinaries In Tough New Law (Jani Meyer)

   Jani Meyer -- IOL.co.za

  Thousands of South Africans involved in security work in Iraq and other countries embroiled in conflict will have to give up their lucrative careers or face up to five years in prison when a bill on the regulation of private security operators is signed into law.

  The Prohibition of Mercenary Activity and Regulation of Certain Activities in a Country of Armed Conflict Bill is expected to be enacted before the end of the year by President Thabo Mbeki. It is intended to close the loopholes used by former policemen and former soldiers wanting to do security work in war-torn countries.

  But security workers will have a few months' reprieve during which they can apply for permission to work in "regulated" countries such as Iraq.

  Once the bill has been passed, the out-of-bounds countries must be identified and listed in the Government Gazette.

  The anti-mercenary laws will make it tougher for South Africans to sign up with foreign armies and if they do they will not be allowed to take part in armed conflict.