Grace Mugabe invokes diplomatic immunity

The first lady of Zimbabwe faces charges of assault following an altercation at a Sandton hotel on Sunday. 

She is accused of lashing a 20-year-old model with a cord.

Police minister Fikile Mbalula had told the media that Mugabe had handed herself over to police and would appear in court on Tuesday. 

However, this did not happen. 

The police ministry has since set the record straight, confirming the suspect did not hand herself over.

They do not name her, as she is yet to be charged or appear in court. 

In their statement, the police ministry says the suspect had made arrangements with police to be at the Sandton police station at 10:00 on Tuesday. 

"The time scheduled was changed several times. By end of business yesterday she had failed to present herself as arranged. Her attorneys and government of Zimbabwe representatives did arrive at the police stations in Sandton for channels of cooperation."

The police ministry say she was expected to provide police with her version of events and be issued with a warning statement. 

"The suspect's lawyers and her government representatives made verbal representations to police investigators that the suspect wished to invoke diplomatic immunity cover and thus she elected to change her mind about the warning statement."

They confirm the Zimbabwean is still in South Africa. 

"We are advised her itinerary includes amongst private matters her attendance and participation at the scheduled SADC Heads of States/Governments Summit and bi-lateral diplomatic meetings already underway in Pretoria. Discussions with the suspect's lawyers and the Zimbabwean High Commission representatives are taking place to make sure that the suspect is processed through the legal system."