Diplomatic immunity does not apply to Grace if she is on personal business: SA Foreign Affairs spokesperson

After Gabriella Engels (20), a South African woman claimed that she was assaulted by First Lady Grace Mugabe, social media users questioned whether Grace would be protected by diplomatic immunity. However, a spokesperson from the South African department of international relations and cooperation said diplomatic immunity would not apply in this case.

Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela said

Firstly‚ for it to apply‚ she needs to be here on official business. It won’t apply if she’s here on holiday or for something else.

Secondly‚ as a First Lady‚ she’s not part of government or a government official. It doesn’t apply just because she’s the wife of a president.

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