Private Military Companies and Domestic Law in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has become a frontrunner in postulating domestic laws against mercenary activity. The prominence of mercenaries on the African continent throughout history and in present day has been the catalyst for these laws. Although South African anti-mercenary law was cited as the reason behind the closure of Executive Outcomes, a local mercenary recruitment and service provider, the law has not prevented individual, freelance mercenaries from continuing to sell their expertise to the highest bidder.