Zimbabwe's first lady Grace Mugabe, who is allegedly
seeking diplomatic immunity for an alleged assault in South Africa last
weekend, is due to attend a regional leaders' summit in Pretoria on Saturday.
The wife of President Robert Mugabe is accused of attacking
a 20-year-old model with an electrical extension cord in a Johannesburg hotel
where the Mugabes' two sons were staying.
South African police said she was expected at the two-day
Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting that opens at 9.30am,
with a "first spouses programme" starting at noon.
A closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon includes partners of
the heads of the states from the 15 member nations.
Officials were unable to provide details about the spouses'
programme or confirm if Grace Mugabe was expected to appear in public during
the meeting.
She has claimed diplomatic immunity after allegedly
assaulting Gabriella Engels nearly a week ago -- the reason for which is not
known.
The South African foreign ministry confirmed to AFP on
Friday that the immunity application was under consideration.
Engels -- who has registered a case of assault with intent
to do grievous bodily harm -- appeared at a press conference on Thursday,
wearing a large plaster on her forehead.
- Disputed immunity -
Lawyers who have taken up her case told reporters that she
was offered cash to make the incident "go away" but that she refused
and is determined to press charges against Grace Mugabe.
Willie Spies, one of the lawyers, said that if diplomatic
immunity was granted they would consider bringing an urgent court application
to halt the decision.
The 52-year-old Zimbabwean first lady was in South Africa
reportedly to have her ankle treated following a minor accident last month.
Her husband flew into the country late Wednesday, the day
after she failed to attend an agreed meeting with South African police over the
alleged assault.
Zimbabwean officials have declined to comment on
allegations against the first lady or her immunity claim. She has not been seen
since the incident.
South African police have said they are on high alert to
prevent her leaving the country, with an arrest warrant also reportedly being
considered.
Grace and Robert Mugabe's two sons Robert Jr and Chatunga
live in Johannesburg, where they have a reputation for partying, while the
couple also have an elder daughter who lives in Zimbabwe.
The incident has threatened to create diplomatic friction
between South Africa and neighbouring Zimbabwe, who have strong political and
economic ties.
Grace Mugabe regularly speaks at rallies in Zimbabwe and is
seen as one potential successor to take over from her increasingly frail
93-year-old husband.
AFP
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