tankers of the stuff.

But another rumour, even more fanciful, says that Mann has already cut a deal with the Zimbabwe government, agreeing that if he is released he will use his considerable contacts to persuade international dealers to supply Zimbabwe with, guess what, oil.

This theory is backed up by yet another rumour - that Zimbabwe's deputy health minister, Edwin Muguti, has personally submitted a report to the court stating that Mann is seriously ill, and should therefore not be extradited on medical grounds. Muguti is said to have been highly paid for his services.

Mann's health is known to be deteriorating. He is variously said to suffer from hypertension and a hernia, to be going blind, and worse. Perhaps the truth is he is suffering from general debility brought on by the appalling conditions inside

Rumour says Nguema (above right) will reward Mugabe for the gift of Simon Mann with tankers of oil

Chikurubi jail where food is bad and TB and Aids are rife.

Because Mann, now in his mid-50s, is in a pitiful state, some observers in Harare believe that, despite the Mugabe regime's ruthless reputation, Zimbabwe will not risk international condemnation for sending a sick man to his almost certain death in Equatorial Guinea.

So, despite the many hardliners in Mugabe's Zanu PF party who would love to send this interfering white man to his doom, the smart money says he will be saved.

If so, the news will no doubt be welcomed by Lady Thatcher's son Mark, who was fined US$10,000 in South Africa for financing a helicopter charter requested by Mann.

The two men were friends. Yet there is no sign of Thatcher flying to Zimbabwe to stand by his friend's side at his time of need.