Grace Mugabe's diplomatic immunity must be set aside: S. Africa court

South Africa's Johannesburg High Court has set aside the decision to grant former Zimbabwean First Lady, Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity after an assault on a local model.

Delivering his judgment on Monday, Judge Bashier Vally stated that the decision by the former International Relations Minister Nkoane-Maite Mashabane to grant Mugabe diplomatic immunity was "inconsistency with the Constitution" and should be set aside, Xinhua news agency reported.

"It is declared that the decision of the minister of August 19, 2017, in terms of the diplomatic immunities to recognize Grace Mugabe's immunities is inconsistence with the Constitution of South Africa. The decision is reviewed and set aside," the judgment stated.

It is alleged that Mugabe assaulted model Gabriella Engels and two other women in an upmarket Sandton hotel in August last year.

Engels is said to have sustained severe facial injuries as a result of the alleged assault. She also laid a criminal charge of assault against Mugabe with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. It is believed that Mugabe assaulted them after she had found them in the company of her young sons who are university students.

Mugabe left South Africa for Zimbabwe after she was granted a diplomatic immunity. Following the judgment, International Relations and Cooperation Department under Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said it was still studying the judgment.

Former International Relations Minster Maite-Mashabane explained in court that Mugabe automatically qualified for immunity from prosecution by virtue of her status as a wife of a head of state.

She also argued that not awarding Grace diplomatic immunity might have serious implications for relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

--IANS

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