Bushiri’s to be extradited to Mzansi, court rules

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A court in Malawi has ruled that fugitives prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, be extradited to South Africa to face multiple charges, including fraud.

In 2020, Shepherd and Mary Bushiri appeared before two different courts in South Africa on multiple criminal charges.

They were granted bail pending trial but failed to comply with their bail conditions and fled the country under unknown circumstances and were later located in Malawi.

Following this, South Africa submitted an extradition request to Malawi, seeking their return to stand trial on various charges, including rape, violating bail conditions and contraventions of the financial advisory among others.

The fight has been ongoing since November 2020 and today, the chief resident magistrate court in Lilongwe has today ruled for their extradition to South Africa and that the couple remain in custody until they are handed over to South African authorities.

However, the legal battle is far from over. The case is expected to move to the high court and could ultimately reach the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Despite the ruling, the Bushiris’ lawyer, Wapona Kita, has requested bail for the couple, arguing that the extradition order should be paused. The state has not objected to the bail request, leaving the court to decide on the matter.

Bushiri’s dramatic escape from South Africa in November 2020 remains a mystery. It was widely speculated that he and his wife used President Lazarus Chakwera’s presidential plane to flee.

The aircraft was subjected to rigorous searches by South African authorities before Chakwera was allowed to depart for Malawi. The circumstances surrounding their escape continue to raise questions.

Meanwhile, the South African government has welcomed the ruling and said they will await formal notification from the Central Authority of the Republic of Malawi.

Once received, INTERPOL, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), will coordinate the transfer arrangements and logistics. The State will cover all associated costs, the department stated.

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“This decision reaffirms judicial independence, international cooperation, and public trust in the South African and Malawian legal institutions.

“Today’s ruling is a significant milestone in international legal cooperation, demonstrating the strength of both countries’ judicial frameworks and diplomatic engagements.

“It reinforces the principle that no one is above the law and underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and adherence to legal frameworks in both South Africa and Malawi.

Bushiri’s to appeal the ruling

“It also underscores the critical role of legal agreements and treaties in tackling transnational crime and ensuring that justice is served, regardless of borders.

“South Africa remains committed to strengthening legal and diplomatic partnerships to ensure that fugitives are brought to justice and that legal systems remain fair, credible, and effective.

“We have been informed that the pair intends to appeal the ruling. The South African government will oppose the appeal. The department will await the outcome of the appeal process if they proceed,” justice and constitutional development minister Mmamoloko Kubayi expressed.