50 Anthrax Results Negative in S. Africa: Police Chief

All 50 results of anthrax scares, which were released by the forensic science laboratory in Pretoria on Monday, were negative, National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi said.

These were the cases of anthrax scares that were reported to the police in 12 areas of South Africa, the commissioner said in a statement.

"This shows clearly that all of these cases are hoaxes," he said, adding that so far, no anthrax cases had been confirmed in South Africa.

"Therefore, we urge the public not to panic, but to remain calm, " he said, while advising people not to handle suspected items themselves but to call the nearest police station.

Selebi said the law would take its full course to those found to be involved in the anthrax scares.

"We will not hesitate to act decisively against anyone who makes hoaxes in this regard," he said.

The 12 areas where hoaxes included Durban International Airport, Cape Town, Johannesburg International Airport and Pretoria.






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