Simon Mann, a notorious British mercenary who attempted to overthrow Equatorial Guinea's government, has died at age 72 after a heart attack. His life, marked by a controversial career after Eton and the British Army, captivated the media, particularly following the scandal of the Wonga Coup, which ended with his arrest in 2004.
Simon Mann, Infamous British Mercenary and Coup Plotter, Passes Away at 72
Simon Mann, Infamous British Mercenary and Coup Plotter, Passes Away at 72
The controversial figure known for his military exploits and the failed Wonga Coup in Equatorial Guinea dies following a heart attack.
Article text: Simon Mann, a prominent figure in the world of private military operations and an ex-Special Air Service officer, has passed away at the age of 72. His death on May 8 at his London home was attributed to a heart attack that occurred while he was exercising on a rowing machine, as confirmed by Aleksandra Binkowska, chief executive of Hydrogen Utopia, the company that employed him.
Mann gained notoriety for his ambitious but ultimately disastrous attempt to oust Equatorial Guinea's authoritarian leader in 2004. His plot, which involved an elaborate plan that collapsed dramatically when he was captured by Zimbabwean police, was dubbed the "Wonga Coup" in the media. This title stemmed from a letter he wrote to his wife while imprisoned, in which he humorously begged for money—"a splodge of wonga."
Before his mercenary career took off, Mann attended Eton, enjoyed a solid military background as part of the British Army, and was linked to an illustrious lineage, including war heroes and cricketers. Following his arrest in Harare during the failed coup, Mann was sentenced to prison in Equatorial Guinea but managed to gain attention for his memoir, "Cry Havoc," published in 2011, where he candidly discussed his turbulent experiences.
His life story, riddled with risk and peril, captivated a wide audience over the years, highlighting the allure and peril of mercenary work. His death brings the curtain down on a figure whose exploits fascinated both the public and the media and raised ongoing discussions about the ethics of private military engagements in conflict zones.
Mann gained notoriety for his ambitious but ultimately disastrous attempt to oust Equatorial Guinea's authoritarian leader in 2004. His plot, which involved an elaborate plan that collapsed dramatically when he was captured by Zimbabwean police, was dubbed the "Wonga Coup" in the media. This title stemmed from a letter he wrote to his wife while imprisoned, in which he humorously begged for money—"a splodge of wonga."
Before his mercenary career took off, Mann attended Eton, enjoyed a solid military background as part of the British Army, and was linked to an illustrious lineage, including war heroes and cricketers. Following his arrest in Harare during the failed coup, Mann was sentenced to prison in Equatorial Guinea but managed to gain attention for his memoir, "Cry Havoc," published in 2011, where he candidly discussed his turbulent experiences.
His life story, riddled with risk and peril, captivated a wide audience over the years, highlighting the allure and peril of mercenary work. His death brings the curtain down on a figure whose exploits fascinated both the public and the media and raised ongoing discussions about the ethics of private military engagements in conflict zones.
