Justice minister says Floyd Shivambu's visit to Bushiri an act of disrespect to SA's legal system

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The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has labelled uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu’s visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi as a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system.

Bushiri is a fugitive who fled South Africa in 2020 while facing serious charges, including rape and fraud.

FLOYD SHIVAMBU’S VISIT TO SHEPHERD BUSHIRI’S CHURCH CONDEMNED

In videos circulating on social media, Bushiri made a grand entrance alongside Shivambu during an Easter service.

The self-proclaimed pastor also acknowledged his [Shivambu] presence ahead of his sermon as congregants cheered for the former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president.

Shivambu also took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank Bushiri for hosting him.

“Thank you my brother, Prophet Bushiri for hosting us and for the kind words. The government scale amount of work you do to economically, educationally, socially and spiritually uplift our people is unparalleled now and in history.

“I know that the leadership and people of Malawi appreciate and cherish the many massive programmes you do for the people on the ground. Continue doing the good work,” he posted.

Following the visit, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, strongly condemned Shivambu’s conduct, describing his association with Bushiri as a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system.

Kubayi cautioned that such behaviour by a political leader not only undermines the credibility of the judiciary but also diminishes the gravity of the charges against Bushiri, sending a dangerous message to the public and to victims of crime.

“Mr Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability,” Kubayi said.

“No one, regardless of status or position, is above the law. Political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, not fraternise with fugitives,” she added.

The Minister also urged all public representatives to work in partnership with law enforcement authorities to safeguard the country from those who violate the law.

WHY THE UPROAR?

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said the Bushiris’ unlawful departure from South Africa constituted a direct violation of their bail conditions and prompted an official extradition request to the Malawian government.

Further, as a party represented in the Parliament of South Africa, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has a duty to uphold justice and respect the integrity of South Africa’s legal processes.

In March 2025, a Malawian court approved the couple’s extradition to South Africa to face justice. However, the couple appealed the decision, citing a lack of confidence in South Africa’s justice system.

Kubayi accused the couple of yet another delaying tactic. However, she said they’re working very hard with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure that they are brought back to South Africa.