Poison

Other

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

BBC Radio 4 LW

Poison: Episode 1: The Chuckling Pensioner

Episode 1: The Chuckling Pensioner

BBC Radio 4 - Poison, Episode 1: The Chuckling PensionerSearch BBC

South Africa's Jacob Zuma - liberation hero and ex-president believes he's being poisoned.

South Africa’s ex-President believes he’s being poisoned. But by whom? And why? When police arrive to arrest him, his supporters warn the country is on the brink of an explosion.

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma believes he has been poisoned, repeatedly. He claims to be the victim of a long, sophisticated, and unfinished plot to assassinate him. But who would want to kill a man still celebrated for his role as a fighter in the struggle against apartheid? Could it be linked to the allegations of massive corruption against him? Or is there a broader conspiracy at work – an international plot to silence a man who claims to be speaking up for South Africa’s neglected poor?  In this five-part series the BBC’s Africa correspondent, Andrew Harding, digs into a mystery that links a case of poisoned underpants, to a plot to kill Nelson Mandela, to this year’s riots that left 300 South Africans dead. In this episode, Zuma's early years.

'Poison' is the story of one man's toxic obsession and the battle for South Africa's future. 

Presenter: Andrew Harding
Producer: Vauldi Carelse
Sound mix: James Beard
Series editor: Bridget Harney

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Documentaries

Factual: Politics

Jacob Zuma, South Africa's former president, believes the world is out to poison him.

The story of Jacob Zuma, South Africa's former president, a towering figure haunted by his vices and raging against a system he believes is hell bent on destroying him.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Poison

Episode 1: The Chuckling Pensioner

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4