Grace Mugabe’s assault case takes a new twist: Victim sues South Africa’s govt over immunity

The woman who has accused Zimbabwe’s First Lady Grace Mugabe of assaulting her has mounted a legal challenge against the South African government for giving her diplomatic immunity.

Gabriella Engels said in court papers that a head of state, let alone a first lady, failed to qualify for immunity when accused of a serious crime.

Mrs Mugabe left South Africa on Sunday.

She has not commented on Ms Engels’ allegation that she “beat the hell out of me” in a Johannesburg hotel.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) investigated the alleged assault, which took place on 13 August.

But they failed to charge the first lady after President Robert Mugabe’s government claimed diplomatic immunity on her behalf.

Source: BBC