Sir Mark Thatcher was arrested at his Cape Town home

The son of former prime minister Baroness Thatcher is accused of helping to fund an alleged coup plot in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea.

His lawyers have submitted a deed of surety on his behalf, the Western Cape Department of Justice confirmed.

Sir Mark will be freed from house arrest but cannot leave the Cape Peninsula and contact police every day.

The 51-year-old, who denies the coup allegations, faces 15 years in prison if convicted.

A source close to the Thatcher family has confirmed that the �167,000 bail was paid by Baroness Thatcher, 78.

The case centres on an alleged plot to topple President Teodoro Obiang.

Sir Mark is accused of helping to fund the purchase of a helicopter, breaching laws banning South African residents from taking part in foreign military action.

He is due to return to court in mid-November.