Former US congressman in hiding in South Africa

ohannesburg: Former US Rep Mel Reynolds says he is in hiding in South Africa following his deportation from Zimbabwe because he believes his life is in danger. He told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that he believes he is being pursued by a secret Zimbabwean death squad because of information he has on American businessmen, especially from Chicago, who are doing business illegally with Zimbabwe.

He accused the Mugabe regime of "trumping up" pornography charges against him two weeks ago to discredit him. He was arrested February 16 and after spending a few days in a Zimbabwean jail, the pornography charges were dropped on a technicality while he pleaded guilty to violating Zimbabwe`s immigration laws. He was deported to South Africa on February 23 after paying a USD 100 fine.