Sixty-five men being held in Zimbabwe on suspicion of being mercenaries could face the death penalty.
"They are going to face the severest punishment available in our statutes, including capital punishment," Foreign Minister Stan Mudenge said today.
The US-registered cargo plane with 65 people aboard was impounded on Sunday evening at Harare International Airport "after its owners had made a false declaration of its cargo and crew", government officials said.
State television footage of the plane's cargo showed sleeping bags, satellite phones, knives, bolt cutters and green camouflage uniforms but no firearms.
Officials have not said if they believe Zimbabwe was the plane's final destination or a target for the suspected mercenaries.
