Thatcher's son arrested in South Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- South African police have arrested Sir Mark Thatcher for his alleged involvement in planning a coup in Equatorial Guinea, local media reported.

The son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was arrested Wednesday at his home in Cape Town, the Guardian reported, quoting the South African Press Association. Thatcher was expected to appear in court later Wednesday.

Police spokesman Makahosini Nkosi said the arrest was linked to "possible funding and logistical assistance in relation to the attempted coup in Equatorial Guinea."

Police searched Thatcher's home in the upscale Constantia district, where he is a neighbor of Simon Mann, a former SAS officer who is one of 70 men currently on trial in Zimbabwe in connection with the alleged coup plot, the Guardian reported.

Equatorial Guinea, Africa's third largest oil producer, pumps 350,000 barrels of oil a day. The country has accused foreign financiers of funding a coup to replace President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo with exiled opposition leader Severo Moto.

Thatcher's arrest followed the trial testimony of Nick du Toit, alleged ringleader of the plot, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.