Thatcher witness vanishes

The Mark Thatcher affair took a dramatic turn today when it emerged that a vital witness in the investigation has disappeared.

The Evening Standard can reveal that James Kershaw, a computer expert, has vanished with crucial documents relating to the attempted overthrow of the government in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea. He is believed to be carrying the so-called Wonga List - the names and contact details of wealthy and influential individuals who contributed funds to finance the failed coup.

The development came as police confirmed that Thatcher, 51, was on the point of leaving South Africa when he was arrested yesterday over his alleged involvement in the plot. He had sold his four cars, put his Cape Town house up for sale and reserved flights to America for his wife and children for next week.

Kershaw is the trusted lieutenant of Simon Mann, an Old Etonian ex-SAS officer who was arrested in Zimbabwe five months ago with a force of 70 mercenaries.

Mann has been accused of trying to lead them in a mission to depose Equatorial Guinea's dictator, Teodor Nguema
Obiang. Thatcher, one of Mann's closest friends, is suspected of helping to organise "finance and logistics," according to a South African police source. He strenuously denies the allegation, and is on bail at his home as police inquiries continue. A key point in the investigation is to discover whether his name is on the Wonga List. Police are also keen to see if a number of other wealthy and well-known individuals are on the document. Kershaw, in his late 20s, was interviewed briefly by police shortly after Mann was arrested in Zimbabwe. Kershaw then left his address in Pretoria and his mobile and landline phone numbers were discontinued. One man who has been trying to get hold of him is Greg Wales, a friend of Thatcher and Mann. Mr Wales, a London-based entrepreneur, said: "I don't know where he is." Mr Wales has been accused by the government of Equatorial Guinea of being one of the key players in the coup attempt.