Harare lawyer Lovemore Madhuku told NewZimbabwe.com that former first lady Grace Mugabe was unlikely to receive a fair trial in South Africa for assault and grievous bodily harm charges.
Grace allegedly used an electrical cord to attack a South African model, Gabriella Engels who was friends with her two sons. South African courts this week issued a warrant of arrest for Grace to come and stand trial. Madhuku said Grace’s trial ceases to be a normal trial. Said Madhuku:
It ceases to be a normal trial. Because of that, the (Zimbabwean) government will likely look into issues such as hiring legal representation in SA. Certain legal guarantees should be made by the two governments before anything is done. We all make mistakes but, Grace and husband (Robert Mugabe) must be allowed to get out of public life. The crime was allegedly committed when she was a First Lady and no ordinary person should have behaved in the manner she did.
Madhuku said the Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, has an obligation to protect Grace and any other citizen if they commit crimes in other countries. Said Madhuku:
Definitely not; not just because she is Grace. Any country has an obligation to protect its citizens even if they commit crimes in other countries. Under international law, countries are allowed to refuse with their citizens.
Zimbabwe’s deputy information minister Energy Mutodi has ruled out chances of Zimbabwean authorities handing over Grace to their neighbours.
Related:
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Zim Will Not Allow SA To Humiliate Grace Mugabe – Deputy Information Minister
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SA, Zim On Collision Course Over Grace Mugabe Arrest Warrant
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AfriForum ‘Certain’ Grace Mugabe Will Be Extradited To SA For Trial
More: NewZimbabwe.com