Bushiri fights extradition: Appeal delays return to South Africa

Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, have appealed against a Malawi court ruling that approved their extradition to South Africa, prolonging the legal battle over their return.

Extradition battle intensifies

Earlier this month, Malawi’s Chief Resident Magistrate Court ruled in favor of South Africa’s extradition request, paving the way for the self-proclaimed prophet and his wife to be sent back to face multiple charges.

The couple, who once led the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church (ECG) in Pretoria, fled South Africa in 2020 while out on R200,000 bail each. Their escape raised suspicions as their passports had been confiscated at the time.

Grounds for appeal

South Africa has been pushing for the Bushiris’ return to stand trial on charges including:

• Rape
• Violating bail conditions
• Contravening the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, Banking Act, Civil Aviation Act, and Immigration Act

However, according to eNCA, the Bushiris have cited a lack of trust in the South African justice system as a reason for their appeal against the ruling.

Government slams Bushiri delaying tactics

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mamoloko Kubayi has accused the couple of employing delay tactics to avoid facing justice.

“The justice system in the country has stood the test of time. He went there, he wanted bail and was given bail which regrettably he violated. So, it is his own doing that he actually undermined the judicial system of South Africa and he should come back and face the music. If he has not done anything wrong, why is he running away?” Kubayi told eNCA.

Despite the legal hurdles, Kubayi emphasized that the South African government, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), remains committed to ensuring the Bushiris are extradited.

Uncertainty over timeline

Kubayi acknowledged that South Africa cannot dictate the judicial process in Malawi and must allow the country to handle the case independently.

“We have to allow them [court] and have faith because we have met the requirements… Eventually, what we’re asking for as the South African government is that he will have to come back into South Africa and face the music,” she added.

For now, the legal battle continues, leaving uncertainty over when—or if—the Bushiris will return to South Africa to stand trial.