Malawi court greenlights Shepherd Bushiri's extradition to SA

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The South African government says the ruling of Malawi’s Magistrate’s Court regarding the extradition of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary 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.

South Africa filed an extradition request after Bushiri and his wife violated their bail conditions and fled to their native home, Malawi, under suspicious circumstances, considering that both their passports had been seized. The two were arrested in 2020 and were granted bail of R200 000.

SA WELCOMES MALAWIAN COURT’S RULING REGARDING SHEPHERD BUSHIRI

As mentioned-above, South Africa submitted an extradition request to Malawi, seeking the return of the Bushiris to stand trial on various charges, including:

Rape
Violating bail conditions
Contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act,�
Banking Act,�
Civil Aviation Act, and�
Immigration Act

Shepherd Bushiri extradition — After self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri fled to Malawi, two congregants accused him of rape. Image: AMR/Flickr

COUPLE INTEND TO APPEAL RULING

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said it has been informed that the pair intends to appeal the ruling and affirmed that the South African government will oppose the appeal. If they proceed, the department will await the outcome of the appeal process.

“If they choose not to pursue the appeal, the Department will await formal notification from the Central Authority of the Republic of Malawi. Once received by Interpol, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), will coordinate the transfer arrangements and logistics. The State will cover all associated costs.

“Upon receipt, Interpol, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), will coordinate the arrangements and logistics for the transfer. The associated costs will be borne by the State,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said.