President Robert Mugabe arrived in South Africa on Wednesday night amid reports that he is attempting to douse diplomatic flames sparked by his wife, who allegedly attacked a local model, Gabriella Engels.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in South Africa has confirmed that it is considering the Zimbabwean government’s request to grant Mrs. Mugabe diplomatic immunity for assaulting Engels, who was said to be have been found in the company of her two sons – Robert Junior and Chatunga - at a Sandton hotel.
Police have indicated that they will wait for the outcome of the diplomatic negotiations before taking any further action against the Zimbabwean first lady, well-known for her public outbursts against political opponents interested in succeeding her 93 year-old husband.
She was initially expected to appear in court early this week but delayed handing herself to the police until Zimbabwean authorities sought diplomatic immunity to protect her from public court proceedings.
Engels claims that Mrs. Mugabe attacked her with an electric chord, resulting in her suffering some injuries on her face and head.
She claims that the Zimbabwean first lady assaulting her in front of bodyguards.