Maravi

Magande receives poison parcel

Magande receives poison parcel
By Brighton Phiri
Sunday February 18, 2007 [02:00]

FINANCE minister Ng’andu Magande's office was last Wednesday poisoned after a parcel containing some suspected poisonous chemical was delivered there. Sources at the Ministry of Finance disclosed yesterday that the parcel, which was addressed to Magande, was delivered to his office on February 14 by a named courier company in Lusaka.

"Hell broke loose after Honourable Magande's secretary opened the parcel...some powder came out and everybody in the office was chocked and started coughing," the source said. "Somebody might have taken advantage of the Valentine's Day to send some substance which seems to have some characteristics of chemical weapon."

According to the source, the parcel contained some books. Several ministry staff that rushed to Magande's office after the incidence had also been affected. "Many of our staff were affected because several of them visited the office after word went round that the minister had been poisoned," said the source. The source said Magande was on Friday night seen by a medical doctor after his coughing and feelings of uneasiness and weakness continued. The source also disclosed that Magande's secretary, who opened the parcel, had her skin peeled off and developed blisters on her hands.

"Soon after the incidence, all the security agencies were informed and currently the matter is being investigated by the Zambia Intelligence Security Services," the source said. According to the source, Magande spent the whole Wednesday drinking milk. This was after he continued coughing after being exposed to what was termed as radioactive material.

Labels: MAGANDE

posted by MrK @ 5:21 AM