Minister rejects invitation to explain decision to grant Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity

In a letter dated August 28, South Africa’s International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane rejected Parliament’s invitation to account for her decision to grant Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity stating that the matter is now before the courts, and therefore deemed sub-judice. Sub-judice means a matter is under judicial consideration and is therefore prohibited from public discussion elsewhere.

Said Nkoana-Mashabane:

As such this matter is now before the courts, and therefore deemed sub-judice. I hereby request the portfolio committee to consider this matter after the courts shall have adjudicated on it.

Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Stevens Mokgalapa opposed the minister’s explanation saying it is a misuse of the sub-judice rule, and did not apply in the Grace Mugabe case.

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