A Malawian court has ruled that self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife be extradited to South Africa where they face multiple charges, including fraud, rape and violating bail conditions.
The Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe issued the ruling on Wednesday, ordering the couple to remain in custody until they are handed over to South African authorities.
Bushiri and his wife fled South Africa in November 2020 while out on bail, prompting an extradition request from the South African government.
Their escape remains shrouded in mystery, with speculation that they may have used a presidential aircraft to leave the country – an allegation that was never proven.
The legal battle, however, is far from over.
The couple’s lawyer, Wapona Kita, has requested bail and is expected to appeal the ruling in Malawi’s High Court.
South Africa’s Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has welcomed the ruling, calling it a reaffirmation of judicial independence and international legal cooperation.
In a statement on Thursday, the department said the decision underscored the principle that “no one is above the law” and reinforced accountability and transparency in both countries.
“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.”
If the appeal is unsuccessful, South African authorities, in coordination with INTERPOL and the Malawian government, will arrange the Bushiris’ transfer.
The case has drawn widespread public and media attention, highlighting broader concerns about corruption, accountability and the effectiveness of international legal agreements in addressing transnational crime.
JN/APA