UPDATE: Grace Mugabe assault triggers Twitter frenzy

Zimbabwe’s first lady, Grace Mugabe has handed herself over to the police after she allegedly assaulted a twenty-year-old model with an extension cord in Sandton, Johannesburg on Sunday evening. The model was visiting Mugabe’s two sons, Robert jr and Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe, at their upmarket hotel in Sandton.

It is reported, by various sources, that Mugabe was in the country to have her foot examined following an accident at the Harare international airport.

The model, who has been named as Gabriella Engels opened a case of assault against the 52-year-old Mugabe on Monday afternoon. Engles told News24 that the first lady accused her of living with her sons. She said Mugabe assaulted her with an extension cord. Engel was escorted by hotel staff of the premises.

According to a report by IOL, Mugabe may face prosecution for the alleged assault in South Africa. She was expected to appear at the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon, but did not show up. The South African Police Services has also confirmed that a 20-year-old woman registered a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm on Monday evening.

Zimbabwe government sources have confirmed that the first lady had returned home. Mugabe was expected to appear at the Randburg Magistrates court on Tuesday afternoon but failed to do so. The South African police had been negotiating with Grace’s lawyers to get her to turn herself in to face charges of assault.

As the country celebrates Women’s month many on social media have expressed their views on the incident.

These lame excuses we hear when gov officials need to face the law 💔 https://t.co/el6vqRJK2q

— Mbali Njeeeee. (@jubzin9) August 15, 2017

If Fikile Mbalula failed to arrest Mduduzi Manana, how do you think he will arrest Grace Mugabe, Robert Mugabe's wife? #GraceMugabe

— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) August 15, 2017

And this violence during South Africa's Women's Month. DisGraceful! #GraceMugabe

— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) August 15, 2017

If a South African had gone to Zim and assaulted and injured #GraceMugabe in Harare, I do not think they would ever get out of jail. Ever.

— Simon Grindrod (@SimonPGrindrod) August 15, 2017

#GraceMugabe MEC Nkosi-Malobane says shes calling on Zimbabwe's First Lady to hand herself over to the police over the alleged attack. HM

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 14, 2017

Why did #GraceMugabe come to SA for treatment? What does that tell us about Zim's health system that she expects her people to survive on?

— Nelisiwe (@NeliMsomi) August 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/ThulasSims/status/897431581337505792

#GraceMugabe allegedly arrived with bodyguards at the hotel on Sunday and accused Engels of living with her sons.

— ✍ Sèyí Gesindé – Ghéshè (@GhesheS) August 15, 2017

https://twitter.com/EhmkeJordyn/status/897438748421627908

Hey South African fellas your on your own look #gracemugabe go around assaulting girls but because she coperate she dn't get arrested 😢

— Mahlatsi (@Unofficial_Hlaz) August 16, 2017

This is a disgrace excuse the pun. She shouldn't be treated differently .Even if her name is Grace! #GraceMugabe

— Stephen Chesworth (@StephenCheswort) August 16, 2017

Why would #GraceMugabe adhere 2our law &hand herself over 2our police when our own MPs don't! they flaunt their impunity!#Faith #Manana +++

— Sarah🇿🇦 (@SRTJones) August 16, 2017

By: Fundisiwe Maseko