The Zimbabwean government has reportedly agreed to free a South African national serving a 26-year jail term on charges of spying for the-then-apartheid government.
Zimbabwe state media reported the story today and quoted Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa as saying Reon Schutte's release followed a request to President Robert Mugabe from South Africa President Thabo Mbeki.
Schutte (43), who has cancer, was jailed in 1989 on charges of espionage, illegal possession of arms and car theft.
"I am aware his family made a request for his release through President Mbeki who then raised the issue with President Mugabe," Mr Chinamasa was quoted as saying.
"I am also aware that President Mugabe has pardoned him and signed for his release last week," he said.