Will Mujuru and her cabal go down without a fight?

• ASSASSINATION attempts on newly appointed Zanu-PF second secretary and the country's Vice President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa point to a period of unrest in Zanu-PF as it almost unlikely that ousted former Vice President Joice Mujuru and her allies will go down without a fight.

President Robert Mugabe yesterday claimed there had been an attempt on the life VP Mnangwagwa, shortly before he appointed him as his second in command.

In a development that may trigger a crackdown on anyone believed to be opposed to Mnangagwa's vice-presidency, it was reported that unknown assailants had sprinkled cyanide poison in the newly-appointed Zanu-PF second secretary's office at the new government complex in Harare.

Announcing his new deputies yesterday, Mugabe revealed there had been an attack at the offices of the country's vice-president designate. Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said police were investigating the matter and asked those with information to report to the nearest station.

"The ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) has received a report to the effect that some poisonous substance was thrown into the honourable vice-president and second secretary of Zanu-PF Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa at Zanu-PF headquarters," she said.

"We wish to state that ZRP is investigating this very serious case.  We condemn this unlawful act and wish to categorically state that such acts on senior government and party officials will be dealt with and that the full wrath of law will be applied once culprits are identified."

Another source said there had been reports that most employees at Mnangagwa's offices at the Justice ministry had swollen hands, believed to be the result of an anthrax attack.

Anthrax is believed to be used in biological attacks. Cyanide is a poisonous chemical gas that prevents human body from absorbing oxygen, which damages vital organs and is life-threatening.

Joice Mujuru, who was succeeded by Mnangagwa as Mugabe's deputy, has already been accused of plotting to kill the veteran president.