Smash Hit

Secret files show Thatcher's role in coup plot

Intelligence reports, phone records and the release of Simon Mann may make life awkward for Mark Thatcher

Thatcher said he was a spy for South Africans

Sir Mark Thatcher became an informer to South Africa to avoid prosecution for his role in a botched coup in central Africa

China's impact on Africa visible at Kariakoo market

Among the mix of Indians, Arabs and Africans at Dar es Salaam are shoppers from the Far East and Chinese products on sale

Somali pirates in deadly stand-off with Spain

The gang who seized the Spanish tuna trawler Alakrana moved three hostages ashore and threatened to kill them

Simon Mann reunited with wife after release

The former SAS soldier and Old Etonian, who was sentenced to 34 years for the failed plot, returns to family in Britain

Women and children killed in attacks on villagers

South Sudan is on the brink of famine resulting in deadly tribal skirmishes over cattle and grazing land

Zimbabwe escapes diamond export ban

Zimbabwean army accused of coordinated efforts to conduct an illegal mining and smuggling operation

Mann could be witness in any Thatcher trial

British mercenenary’s release makes criminal and civil actions possible against son of the former Prime Minister

Mann faces police grilling after landing in Britain

Former SAS soldier landed in privately-owned jet having said he wants Sir Mark Thatcher and others to face justice

£30m payout to toxic waste victims ‘at risk'

Compensation paid by oil traders Trafigura to African victims in danger of being stolen because of corruption in Ivory coast

Albinos fear gangs hunting for body parts

A wave of killings of albinos has swept Tanzania, driven by witch doctors who make 'magic potions' from their body parts

ANALYSIS: freed because of African diplomacy

Call it a deal but however you put it the release of Mann and his accomplices suits a number of interested parties nicely

Mann flies home to questions and lucrative offers

Old Etonian mercenary who plotted to seize a tiny West African state arrives back in Britain to a son he has never seen

Kidnapped couple moved deeper into Somalia

Fears are growing for the retired husband and wife from Kent, who were seized when sailing off the African coast

IN DEPTH: names in the frame over coup plot

The background relating to the key players involved in Briton's plot to overthrow the President of Equatorial Guinea

Coup plotter heading home after being freed

Simon Mann pardoned after serving less than two years of his 34 year sentence for plotting to overthrow West African ruler

Usain nearly bolted from cheetah meeting

100 and 200 metres record holder Usain Bolt has adopted a cheetah cub named Lightning Bolt while on a trip to Kenya