The ongoing legal saga surrounding self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary has taken another turn, as the couple appeals a Malawi court ruling that approved their extradition to South Africa.
This latest development adds another layer to a case that has captured international attention since their dramatic escape in 2020.
Extradition Battle Heats Up
Earlier this month, the Malawi Chief Resident Magistrate Court ruled in favor of South Africa’s request to extradite the Bushiris.
The couple, who previously led the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church (ECG) in Pretoria, had fled South Africa after violating their bail conditions.
Their departure was particularly controversial because their passports had already been seized by authorities at the time.
Charges Against the Bushiris
The South African government is seeking the couple’s return to stand trial on a series of serious charges, including:
- Rape
- Violating bail conditions
- Breaking the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act
- Contravening the Banking Act
- Violating the Civil Aviation Act
- Breaching the Immigration Act
With such an extensive list of allegations, South African authorities remain determined to bring the couple back to face justice.
Lack of Faith in Justice System Cited
According to reports from eNCA, the Bushiris have based their appeal on a lack of confidence in South Africa’s justice system.
Their legal team argues that they will not receive a fair trial if extradited. However, South African officials strongly disagree.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mamoloko Kubayi dismissed the appeal as yet another delaying tactic.
She reaffirmed that the government, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is doing everything possible to ensure the Bushiris’ return.
Government’s Response to the Appeal
Speaking to eNCA, Kubayi criticized the couple’s refusal to face trial, stating:
“Every criminal will not want to face trial and will want to walk away.
The justice system in this country has stood the test of time. He [Bushiri] was given bail, which he then violated.
He has undermined the South African judicial system, and he should come back and face the music.
If he has not done anything wrong, why is he running away?”
When Will They Return?
Despite South Africa’s push for extradition, the timeline for the Bushiris’ return remains uncertain.
Minister Kubayi acknowledged that the final decision lies with Malawi’s judiciary and that South Africa must respect their legal process.
“We have to allow them [the court] to do their work and have faith because we have met the requirements.
Eventually, what we’re asking for as the South African government is that he must come back and face justice,” she said.
Will the Extradition Succeed?
The question remains: will the Bushiris be successfully extradited? The case has already seen numerous delays and legal maneuvers, making it difficult to predict an outcome.