‘Threats’ lead Zimbabwean embassy to stop bid to intervene in Mugabe-Engels matter
But AfriForum, representing Gabriella Engels, says this shows the embassy was just trying to frustrate the process and ensure justice was delayed, after Grace Mugabe allegedly attacked Engels at a hotel in Sandton
The Zimbabwean embassy has withdrawn an application to intervene in the matter between South African model Gabriella Engels and Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe.Advocate Simba Chitando‚ representing the Zimbabwean embassy‚ announced this on Friday in the High Court in Pretoria, after Acting Judge Harshilabhen Koovertjie delivered judgment.The Zimbabwean consul-general alleged in his instructions to Chitando‚ which Chitando read out‚ that "various threats had been made against him [Chitando] while representing the Zimbabwean embassy"."The conduct of various individuals in this matter has made the Zimbabwean embassy’s future involvement in this matter undesirable. The Zimbabwean embassy‚ regardless of the outcome of these proceedings‚ shall no longer participate in these hearings."AfriForum’s lawyer, Willie Spies‚ representing Engels‚ said those allegations were "absolute nonsense". "I think it is just an effort to taint the process to put them in a position to attack the process la...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.