MDC slams Grace march

– Thousands of Zimbabweans marched through Harare yesterday in a show of support for first lady Grace Mugabe, pictured, who evaded assault allegations in South Africa by claiming diplomatic immunity.

But the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was not impressed.

The march, organised by President Robert Mugabe’s all-powerful Zanu-PF party, came two weeks after Grace was accused of attacking a 20-year-old model at an upmarket Johannesburg hotel.

She is alleged to have assaulted Gabriella Engels with an electrical extension cable at the hotel where the Mugabe sons, who have a reputation for partying, were staying.

The marchers, who were mainly women and young men dressed in party colours, chanted slogans and sang praises for “Dr Amai” (Doctor Mother).

Some street vendors and shopkeepers said they were forced to close their businesses and join the march.

“Engels is not an angel” read one placard held by a supporter while another said “We stand by our mother, Dr Grace”.

Movement for Democratic Change dismissed the marchers as “sycophants” trying to seek favour with the Mugabe regime.

“If there should be any march, it should be against Grace Mugabe,” MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu said.

“The march is an insult to women. She had no decency to apologise after she was granted diplomatic immunity in suspicious circumstances.”

The state-run Herald newspaper yesterday ran a special supplement praising Grace for her charity work and describing her as “a loving mother of the nation”.

The first lady is increasingly active in public life and in 2014 became the head of the Zanu-PF party’s women’s wing.

She regularly speaks at rallies across the country, railing against anyone alleged to be disloyal to the president and handing out clothes and domestic goods to party supporters. –

Harare