University block shut down
2003-05-16 08:15
Stellenbosch - Widespread panic gripped the University of Stellenbosch on Thursday afternoon when a secretary in the administration building opened an envelope containing a white powder, which the letter inside said was anthrax.
Several lecturers and office workers were prevented by police and emergency services from leaving the Administration B building, which houses the offices of the rector and top management.
The building was cordoned off while police bomb disposal experts entered the building. After scooping the powder together, it was sealed and taken away for forensic tests.
Confused staff members who wanted to leave the building were told by police to say inside. Others started phoning family and friends in desperation.
The University didn't want to comment, apart from saying that a suspicious envelope was received at 15:00 in a management office.
A short statement said that "no further information can be divulged while police investigations are continuing".
Die Burger has heard that vice-rector (tuition) Professor Russel Botman's secretary, Sherrill February, opened an envelope and white powder sifted on to her desk.
A letter inside the envelope said the contents were anthrax. The wording was crude and contained racial remarks, as well as a telephone number.
The University's risk and protection services, as well as the police and fire brigade, were summoned.
Captain Anton de Kock told staff members that they had to wait inside until the anthrax contingency plan had been concluded. They were all allowed to go home about 18:00 on Thursday.