Government says close to a hundred South Africans are being investigated for working in conflict-ridden Iraq without permission, which contravenes the Foreign Military Assistance Act.

Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota says at least one person has been tried and found guilty for working "in the theatre of conflict" without authorisation.

The minister addressed a media briefing in Parliament yesterday as part of the International Relations, Peace and Security Cluster.

He explained that reports provided to him had identified 47 individuals, with a possibility of more, which could take the list up to a hundred.

Other cases of transgressions involved serving members of the South African National Defence Force and the country's other security agencies working in Iraq.

"Some of the individuals are seeking to resign but where transgressions have happened before people have resigned, action will be taken in the military courts as well as civilian courts," he said.

He added the private security companies providing salaries of up to R75 000 a month were actively recruiting South Africans, “unfortunately” targeting highly-trained and skilled members of the country's security forces.

He said the matter was being dealt with quite firmly, "as it is unacceptable for members to act in areas of conflict in contravention of governments' position".

"It raises a very serious question of loyalty to this country within the SA National Defence Force which is the ultimate instrument of security in this country," the minister explained.

Minister Lekota described the "growing phenomena of paid armies", as dangerous and said they should be stopped.

The minister said these armies emerging in a globalised world were a threat to democracy and could be used against legitimate governments.

He explained that the Foreign Military Assistance Act was currently under review, a process that had been stepped up as a result of the situation in Iraq.

Asked what government would do should any South African there be kidnapped, he said it was government's responsibility towards all its citizens to take action to save their lives.

"If somebody is threatened with death, it would be unimaginable that this government can say 'good, let it go ahead'," he explained, adding government would do all that could be done. - BuaNews.