Grace Mugabe alleged assault victim 'living in fear'

20-year-old Gabriella Engels was allegedly attacked by Mugabe at a hotel in Sandton at the weekend. 

AfriForum announced its intention to provide legal support to Engels and her mother Debbie at a press conference in Centurion yesterday. 

AfriForum's Operational Trauma Unit manager, Caty van der Merwe, says Engels life has completely changed.

"Gabi has experienced enormous trauma, but the whole family has been affected. The mother, the father and the brothers have suddenly become part of this and are living in fear and have to hide from the public. Their whole lives have changed," says van der Merwe. 

Van der Merwe says the unit will ensure the victim and her family receive the necessary emotional support. 

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel says although there has been no threat to Engels' life, they have offered to provide her with security. 

"We have made the offer to give her protection, but for security details I don't want to go too much into detail."

Engels has decided to not speak about the incident until she possibly has to testify in court. 

Kriel says her silence is in the best interest of justice. 

"We gave her an option whether to speak to the media, but she chose to attend the media briefing. She will only speak when she is in court where it really matters, as she will be a witness."