Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe, de 52 años, nacida en Sudáfrica, se convirtió en primera dama de Zimbabue en 1996, tras casarse con el presidente Robert Mugabe. La pareja se conoció cuando ella trabajaba como mecanógrafa en presidencia, época en la que se convirtió en su amante; tras oficializar su unión en una misa católica catalogada como «la boda del siglo» pasó a ser la segunda esposa del presidente. Posteriormente tuvieron tres hijos: Bona, Robert Peter Jr. y Chatunga, publica ABC.

Apodada «Gucci Grace» por su rumboso estilo de vida, su carácter caprichoso y su ambición política la convirtieron en una figura odiada en un país azotado por una grave crisis económica y por los abusos de poder del gobierno y fuera de éste.

Fue nombrada jefa del ala femenina del partido ZANU-PF en 2014 y estaba llamaba a ser la sustituta del exvicepresidente, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Sin embargo, la actual intervención militar en Zimbabue pone fin a las aspiraciones políticas de la primera dama, que esperaba suceder a su marido tras las elecciones del año que viene.

La esposa de Mugabe está sujeta a sanciones por parte de la Unión Europea y Estados Unidos por su papel en el régimen de Mugabe. Además, tiene causas pendientes con la justicia sudafricana. Las últimas informaciones la sitúan en Namibia, país al que habría huido tras los acontecimientos de las últimas horas.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe attended a ceremony re-naming Harare Airport in his honour on November 9, 2017, as his sacking of the vice president fuelled speculation over his succession plans. The 93-year-old president unveiled a plaque at the newly named Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, located 15 kilometers (nine miles) outside the centre of the capital. The refurbishment of the airport has been condemned by opposition figures as a waste of money. / AFP PHOTO / Jekesai NJIKIZANA (FILES) This file photo taken on November 8, 2017 shows

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe (L) addressing party members and supporters gathered at his party headquarters to show support to Grace Mugabe (R) becoming the party’s next Vice President after the dismissal of Emerson Mnangagwa.

Several tanks were seen moving near the Zimbabwean capital Harare on November 14, 2017 witnesses told AFP, a day after the army warned it could intervene over a purge of ruling party officials. / AFP PHOTO / Jekesai NJIKIZANA (FILES) This file photo taken on June 02, 2017 shows Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe (L) with his wife Grace Mugabe (R) raising their fists in a vehicle before meeting delegates during a Zimbabwe ruling party Zimbabwe African National Union Ð Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) youth rally at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera.

Zimbabwe’s military appeared to be in control of the country on November 15, 2017 as generals denied staging a coup but used state television to vow to target “criminals” close to President Robert Mugabe. Mnangagwa’s dismissal left Mugabe’s wife Grace, 52, in prime position to succeed her husband as the next president — a succession strongly opposed by senior ranks in the military. / AFP PHOTO / Jekesai NJIKIZANA (FILES) This file photo taken on May 24, 2014 shows Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (L) arriving with his wife Grace for the inauguration ceremony of South African President Jacob Zuma at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Zimbabwe’s military appeared to be in control of the country on November 15, 2017 as generals denied staging a coup but used state television to vow to target “criminals” close to President Robert Mugabe. Mnangagwa’s dismissal left Mugabe’s wife Grace, 52, in prime position to succeed her husband as the next president — a succession strongly opposed by senior ranks in the military. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / SIPHIWE SIBEKO (FILES) This file photo taken on August 22, 2013 shows Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (R), accompanied by wife Grace, raising his fist as he greets the crowd at his inauguration ceremony in Harare at the National 60,000-seat sports stadium.

aprende más aquí