Special Report Transcript Episode 68, Section 6, Time 44:46

The use of poison and chemicals against political opponents did not originate in South Africa. The Rhodesian police and army used it on a large scale against liberation fighters in Zimbabwe. A favourite method was to soak clothes in toxic organophosphates and distribute it in villages known to be supportive of guerrillas. Hundreds of people died this way. In April 1989 the then Secretary-General of the Council of Churches, Frank Chikane nearly died when he was poisoned. Apparently organophosphates were used in his clothes. An investigation into this attack by the Pretoria Attorney-General special task team is nearing completion, eight years afterwards.

Notes: Scientist in lab; Army troops in former Rhodesia