South Africa's Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has said on Thursday that the South African soldiers (she called them 'mercenaries') aiding Nigeria in its war against the terror group Boko Haram should be arrested when they return.

Beeld reports that a multinational team comprision of over 100 military experts from South Africa was on its way to Nigeria to help against Boko Haram.

"There are consequences when somebody leaves the country and provides any form of military assistance that is not part of the government's deployment," Masipa-Nqakula said. "The police and prosecuting authority should make examples of the group by charging them under the regulation on Foreign Military Assistance Act."

On Tuesday, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, said she was disappointed that South Africa was involved in the mission.

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