| Malawian preacher Shepherd Bushiri waves at sympathisers as he leaves the
Lilongwe Magistrate's Court on 19 November 2020, after skipping bail in South
Africa, and was arrested in Malawi. - A Malawi court ruled on Wednesday that South Africa meets the extradition requirements for cases against Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary. - It deemed some criminal charges were sufficient to warrant prosecution for both fugitives. - The Bushiris skipped bail in November 2020 after being arrested for alleged fraud and money laundering. A court in Malawi on Wednesday found South Africa meets the extradition requirements for cases against self-proclaimed "prophet" Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri. South Africa had asked for them to be extradited to stand trial on multiple criminal charges. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi welcomed the ruling by the Republic of Malawi's Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Court. Bushiri, who is the leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, and his wife skipped bail in November 2020 after being arrested for fraud and money laundering to the tune of R102 million that was linked to an investment scheme. South Africa's extradition request had sought their return to stand trial for charges including rape, violating bail conditions, and contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, Banking Act, Civil Aviation Act, and Immigration Act. "The judge ruled that South Africa meets the extradition requirements under Malawi's Extradition Act. Of the 13 charges presented by the State, 10 were considered in court and deemed sufficient to warrant prosecution for both fugitives," said Kubayi's spokesperson, Terrence Manase. However, according to a statement by Malawi's Ministry of Justice, the court acknowledged four out of 10 charges against Bushiri and his wife. "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." Manase said they were informed the pair intended appealing the ruling. "The South African government will oppose the appeal. The department will await the outcome of the appeal process if they proceed. If they choose not to pursue the appeal, the department will await formal notification from the Central Authority of the Republic of Malawi," he added. "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." On his Instagram account, Bushiri said it was a "remarkable victory" and claimed the court "dismissed 10 of those cases due to lack of evidence". Malawi's Ministry of Justice added the defence asked the court to allow the Bushiris to remain on bail until they received direction from the High Court on an appeal. "They further applied for a 30-day stay order on the ruling, which the court granted. The court referred the matter of bail to the High Court, as the magistrate's court does not have jurisdiction to grant bail to fugitives. The defence is expected to apply for bail during the stay order, as directed by the magistrate's court. This means the Bushiris will remain out on bail." |