Thatcher's son detained in S Africa over coup plot

Makhosini Nkosi, spokesman for the Scorpions elite investigating unit, told the news agency that Thatcher had been arrested in Cape Town.

"The Scorpions have arrested the son of a prominent former British politician. We are investigating charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act," he said.

"This is in relation to the possible funding and logistical assistance in relation to the attempted coup in Equatorial Guinea. We have conducted a search and seizure operation at his home in Cape Town."