LILONGWE, Malawi — A Malawian court has ruled that self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, be extradited to South Africa to face charges including fraud, money laundering, and violation of bail conditions.
The Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe delivered the ruling on Wednesday, marking a significant development in the protracted legal saga involving the couple. The Bushiris fled South Africa in November 2020 while out on bail, citing safety concerns, and have since resisted extradition efforts.
South African authorities have accused the couple of defrauding followers of their Enlightened Christian Gathering Church of approximately R102 million through purported investment schemes. Additional allegations include contraventions of South Africa’s financial, banking, aviation, and immigration laws.
Following the court’s decision, the Bushiris’ legal team, led by attorney Wapona Kita, indicated plans to appeal the ruling and requested bail for the couple during the appeal process. The state did not oppose the bail application, and the court is expected to make a determination on the request.
The South African government welcomed the ruling, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring that individuals facing criminal charges are held accountable. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development stated that the decision reinforces the principle that no one is above the law and underscores the importance of accountability and adherence to legal frameworks in both South Africa and Malawi.
The extradition process has been fraught with legal challenges since the couple’s departure from South Africa. Their escape raised questions about border security and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The recent court ruling is seen as a pivotal step toward resolving the matter, although the anticipated appeal may extend the timeline before any extradition occurs.
