Zimbabwe’s first lady accused of assault in South Africa

Engels posted several photos on social media showing a gash in her forehead, which she called a result of the alleged encounter.

“She flipped and just kept beating me with the plug. Over and over,” Engels told local news channel News24. “I had no idea what was going on. I was surprised . I needed to crawl out of the room before I could run away.”

Police confirmed that a 20-year-old woman registered “a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm” on Monday, but said the suspect could not be named as she had not yet appeared in court.

“The investigation into this case has already reached an advanced stage,” a police statement on Tuesday said.

It was unclear whether Mugabe would qualify for diplomatic immunity if charges are brought against her.

There was no immediate comment by Zimbabwe’s government or ruling party. Zimbabwean press reported earlier this week that Mugabe, 52, was in South Africa seeking medical attention.

It was not clear Tuesday night whether Mugabe was still in South Africa or had returned to Zimbabwe.

“If she went back, I just hope the police can do something to get her back,” Engels told The Associated Press. “I don’t want her to get away with this.”

She said she had recently met the Mugabe brothers and that mutual friends invited her to hang out at the hotel. She said the brothers were not in the room the night of the alleged assault.

“I don’t know how she got into the hotel room. We didn’t know she was Robert Mugabe’s wife,” Engels said. “I only found out outside when blood was rushing down my face and back.”

Mugabe has been accused of assaults during other overseas trips, including a 2009 visit to Hong Kong in which a photographer accused her of beating him up.

Krista Mahr, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Zimbabwe’s first lady accused of assault in South Africa

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