Mnangagwa escapes poisoning

There has been an attempt on the life of the newly appointed Zanu-PF Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, with unknown assailants sprinkling the deadly cyanide poison in Mnangagwa's office at the new government complex.

President Robert Mugabe broke the news while announcing the new look Zanu-PF Politburo, which saw Mnangagwa replace former Vice President Joice Mujuru as Mugabe's deputy.

Mnangagwa's secretary was affected by the cyanide when she opened the office this morning and was rushed to a private hospital where she is battling for her life.

Police investigations on the matter are underway.

Cyanide is a deadly poison, which when inhaled causes a coma with seizures, apnea, and cardiac arrest, with death following in a matter of seconds.

At lower doses, loss of consciousness may be preceded by general weakness, giddiness, headaches, vertigo, confusion, and perceived difficulty in breathing.

Last year, cyanide killed over 100 elephants at Hwange National Park after it was put in a water source within the national park.

Considering the fatality of the poison, one would wonder what would have happened had Mnangagwa had entered his office together with his secretary for his routine official duties.

Mnangagwa was in September involved in a car accident widely believed to be another attempt on his life.

President Mugabe said he is shocked that infighting in Zanu-PF has deteriorated to an extent where others attempt to eliminate their own.