A letter containing poison has been sent to South Africa's chief prosecutor, his spokesman has said.
Mokotedi Mpshe did not touch the letter himself but five of his staff are being treated after developing rashes and his office was sealed off.
An investigation has been launched but no arrests have been made yet.
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Mr Mpshe was appointed to head the NPA last year when his predecessor was sacked by President Thabo Mbeki.
NPA spokesman Tlali Tlali said he could not identify the type of poison used in the letter.
Insecticide
But Forensic Expert David Klatzow told the BBC he suspected it was a kind of organophosphate, which are commonly used as insecticides in the agricultural sector.
Mr Mpshe announced that Mr Zuma would be charged with corruption for a second time just days after he defeated President Mbeki in a bitter ANC leadership contest last December.
The ruling ANC has called for the Scorpions unit of the NPA to be disbanded in June - two months before Mr Zuma is due to go on trial.
Mr Zuma denies the charges and says they are part of a political conspiracy against him.
His supporters accuse allies of President Mbeki of trying to sideline Mr Zuma.
The Constitutional Court is due to rule on Tuesday on a challenge by Mr Zuma to some of the evidence used against him.
(BBC)
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