SA to bear the costs for extradition of the Bushiris
The court found that South Africa meets the extradition requirements of the country’s Extradition Act.
Malawian preacher Shepherd Bushiri waves at sympathisers as he leaves the Lilongwe Magistrate court on 19 November 2020, after skipping bail in South Africa, and was arrested in Malawi. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The Justice and Constitutional development department has welcomed the ruling of the Chief Magistrates court in Lilongwe, Malawi, that ordered the extradition of self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri.
According to the department, the court found that South Africa meets the extradition requirements of the country’s Extradition Act.
Bushiri and his wife, Mary, are facing various charges in South Africa including contravention of the Immigration Act, rape and fraud.
Almost five years after the fugitives fled, the government welcomed Malawi’s ruling that orders the Bushiris return.
In a statement, the department says the court found that of the 13 charges presented by the state, 10 were considered sufficient to warrant prosecution for both fugitives.
Interpol and the SAPS are expected to coordinate the transfer if the pair chooses not to appeal.
The department has also given the assurance that it will bear the costs of the transfer.