HARARE – The South African model, who says she was whipped by Zimbabwe former president Robert Mugabe’s wife, now says she wants Grace Mugabe prosecuted. Gabriella Engels told over Grace Mugabe to face the charges in a South Africa court.
Pictures circulated showing Engels with injury to her forehead which was allegedly inflicted by an electric-cable-wielding Grace last August. This sparked anger in South Africa and beyond.
Former first lady was reported to have been incensed to find the model in an apartment in Sandton that was rented by her sons Chatunga and Robbert Mugabe. Mugabe is alleged to have snatched up the cable to beat Engels.
But the first lady of Zimbabwe avoided arrest and prosecution after the South African government granted her diplomatic immunity.
“If I had the opportunity to meet the new Zimbabwean president, I would ask him to do the right thing and hand over Grace for prosecution,” Engels said.
With the fall of the Mugabes following a military takeover in November, the Engels family has renewed hope for justice. Engels’ mother Debbie said: “We are aware that she is no longer a person of power; that her husband was ousted from office and that the government of Zimbabwe said she does not enjoy any immunity anymore.”
But it is unlikely that President Mnangagwa would co-operate with attempts by the Engels family to prosecute his former boss.
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