South Africa Issues Arrest Warrant for Bushiri and Wife, After They Fled to Malawi

The Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday issued a warrant of arrest for fugitive couple, Shepard Bushiri and his wife, Mary, after they contravened their bail conditions in South Africa last week.

The two had failed to present themselves at the police station to confirm that they are still in the country, as per their bail conditions. It is understood the Bushiri couple fled to Malawi, their native country, last week. ‘Prophet’ Bushiri said in a live video stream from Malawi that the couple felt they had to escape SA because their lives were allegedly at risk, and they wish for their government to intervene and ensure they receive a fair trial.

In a statement on Monday, the Hawks said the Bushiris’ bail is cancelled thus forfeiting the R200,000 each, which they had posted as bail.

“They will also forfeit their residence should they not present themselves before court on Thursday, 19 November 2020,” the statement says.

Bail conditions included them not travelling beyond Gauteng and North West. They were also expected to report to a police station twice a week, on Monday and Friday.

The Bushiris were early this month released on bail for charges relating to theft, money laundering and fraud in connection with an alleged R100 million investment scheme.

On Monday, the South African government confirmed it had initiated an extradition process in an effort to retrieve the two fugitives.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) confirmed that the fugitive couple did not leave South Africa aboard a flight on which Malawian President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, and his delegation travelled. – SAnews.gov.za