/ 5 November 2008

Powder-laced envelopes found at Sars office

Three powder-laced envelopes and a threatening note was found at the Vereeniging South African Revenue Service offices, Vaal police said on Wednesday.

Inspector Sabatha Modupe said the three envelopes laced with powder and a note, which reportedly said: ”Remember, Remember, November 5”, were found by an employee at 8.20am on Wednesday morning.

The Sars health and safety manager was called in after 18 employees and 15 clients were suspected to have inhaled the unidentified substance, said Modupe.

He said the employees and clients were evacuated from the building and rushed to hospital.

”The affected were treated for shock. We have not received reports of anyone who has fallen ill after inhaling the powder,” he said. The bomb disposal task team took the envelopes to a lab. – Sapa