At 72, Simon Mann, known for his mercenary activities and his role in a coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea, has died. His controversial life included a 34-year prison sentence for arms charges, a pardon, and eventual regret over his choices.
The Controversial Life and Death of Mercenary Simon Mann
The Controversial Life and Death of Mercenary Simon Mann
Simon Mann, former British Army officer and key figure in a failed coup, has passed away due to a heart attack while exercising.
Former British Army officer and mercenary Simon Mann, who gained notoriety for his involvement in a failed coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea in 2004, has died of a heart attack while exercising, with friends confirming the news. He was 72 years old and had previously amassed millions of pounds by providing security services in conflict areas before his infamous attempt to overthrow the government of the west African nation.
Mann was sentenced to 34 years in prison for arms trafficking and later distanced himself from the coup's planning, claiming he was more of a "manager" than its architect. In 2009, he was pardoned after serving just three years and was given a mere 48 hours to vacate Equatorial Guinea upon his release.
His education at prestigious institutions such as Eton and Sandhurst Royal Military Academy paved the way for a military career that saw him rise to the ranks of the SAS, the UK's elite special forces unit. Reflecting back in 2011, Mann stated that the attempted coup was thwarted by the CIA as he and his fellow mercenaries were attempting to load weapons onto a plane in Zimbabwe.
After spending time in Zimbabwe's notorious Black Beach Prison, Mann expressed regret for his actions following his release, emphasizing that while financial gains were tempting, ethical considerations should ultimately guide one's decisions.
