The National Prosecuting Authority says it's still considering whether or not to charge four South African mercenaries when they return home from Equatorial Guinea.

The men, led by Briton, Simon Mann, were jailed for plotting a failed coup in the West African nation in 2004.

They were granted a presidential pardon on Tuesday and released.

Mann touched down in the UK on Wednesday, but his South African accomplices, Nick du Toit, Sergio Cardoso, George Allerson and Jose Sundays have yet to arrive home.

The NPA's Mthunzi Mhaga says the men's future is uncertain.

"We are still deliberating on the matter and no decision has been taken. Therefore we are unable to give an indication on whether we'll consider prosecution or not at this stage."

However, the Institute for Security Studies' Sabelo Gumedze says prosecution for a second time is going to be very difficult.

"It might be very difficult for the South African government to re-try them for the same offence and re-convict them for the same offence."

At the same time, Cardoso's wife Delfina said she was anxious to see her husband. "I spoke to him yesterday, he said he was fine. I think my prayers were answered by God," she said.

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