Zimbabwe First Lady Grace Mugabe goes quiet amid claims she whipped a model

There's been no sight of Zimbabwe First Lady Grace Mugabe, who faces charges she whipped a young model in South Africa.

Zimbabwe's First Lady is keeping out of sight several days after a young model claimed Grace Mugabe whipped her with an extension cord in a South African hotel.

South African authorities are weighing a request by Zimbabwe's government for diplomatic immunity for the first lady, who has not commented since the alleged assault on Sunday night.

South African police have issued a "red alert" at its borders to ensure Mugabe doesn't leave undetected. They say their investigation is complete but needs a government decision on the immunity appeal.

In this photo provided by Debbie Engels and taken on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, Gabriella Engels is seen with an injury to her forehead in Johannesburg Source: AAP

Zimbabwe's government and state media have not publicly addressed the assault allegations.

It is not clear whether the wife of 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe entered South Africa on a personal or diplomatic passport.

Robert Mugabe arrived early for a South Africa summit to discuss the allegtions with his wife, a source said.

Lawyers for the 20-year-old model have threatened to go to court.