Question NW2508 to the Minister of Police
10 October 2017 - NW2508
Mbhele, Mr ZN to ask the Minister of Police
(1) Who made the decision on 15 August 2017 not to arrest a certain person (name and details furnished) after a case of alleged assault was opened against the specified person by a certain person (name furnished); (2) did the fact that the specified person (a) was in possession of foreign travel documents, (b) has easy access to private air travel, (c) has family ties to Zimbabwe and/or (d) was not arrested influenced by her citizenship; if not, in each case, what is the position; if so, what are the further relevant details in each case?
Reply:
1. No member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) had made the decision, not to arrest the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Grace Mugabe, on 15 August 2017, after a case of alleged assault was opened against her, by Gabriella Engels.
(2) None of the reasons provided had influenced any SAPS member not to arrest the First Lady, Grace Mugabe, since no SAPS member made the decision to not arrest the First Lady.
(2)(a) Possession of foreign travel documents – The First Lady was not arrested due to her whereabouts not being unknown, at that stage.
(2)(b) Easy access to private air travel - Upon the investigation at OR Tambo International Airport, it transpired that she arrived on 13 August 2017, via South African Airways (SAA), flight number SAA029, with Passport Number AD005540, which indicated the profession of the incumbent as the First Lady and therefore, could not have used private air travel, in this regard.
(2)(c) Family ties to Zimbabwe – Enquiries of the whereabouts of the First Lady, were made at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria, but the investigating officer was denied access.
(2)(d) Citizenship ties Application for immunity by the First Lady, Grace Mugabe - On 17 August 2017, the investigating officer received a verbal note from the office of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, stating that the First Lady had applied for immunity and that their office was processing the application. On the 19 August 2017, the investigating officer received a Minister Minute, from the office of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation that granted the First Lady immunity and privilege, in accordance with Section 7 (2) of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act 2001 (Act No 37 of 2001). The docket will be sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (Gauteng), for a decision.