Staff ReporterJOHANNESBURG – Police Minister Fikile Mbalula says that while Zimbabwe’s first lady Grace Mugabe can be arrested for assault, diplomatic immunity would have to be considered before that.
A 20-year-old woman has accused Mugabe of attacking her at a Sandton hotel on Sunday.
Pictures circulating on social media show she sustained injuries to her head. She says she had to get stitches following the incident.
Mbalula says an investigation is underway.
“As far as I’m concerned we are dealing with the matter and will get the full report today. Arresting a person of her stature … she can be arrested. If she came here with her diplomatic passport, she’ll have diplomatic immunity. This doesn’t mean she cannot be arrested.”
LISTEN: Mbalula: Diplomatic immunity doesn’t mean Grace Mugabe can’t be arrested
The alleged victim’s mother, Debbie Engels, has told us that she was advised by the police not to speak to the media.
Engels says that her daughter is convinced that she did not make a mistake and that it was Mugabe who assaulted her.
“She asked the security guy who the lady is and the security told her. I showed the photos.”
Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane has called on President Robert Mugabe’s wife to hand herself over to local police.
Nkosi-Malobane says Mugabe should hand herself over or face arrest.
“We are now requesting that the first lady come forward. If not, police will ensure that she’s arrested and goes to court like any other person. We are also looking for her two sons.”
According to the Zimbabwe Mail, Mugabe was in South Africa to have her foot examined after a freak accident.
