Bushiri has no intention of standing trial in SA, says spokesperson
Shepherd Bushiri’s spokesperson, Aubrey Kusakala, said the Bushiris had no faith in South Africa's criminal justice system.
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 - Self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri, and his wife, Mary Bushiri, have no intention of standing trial in South Africa.
Bushiri’s spokesperson, Aubrey Kusakala, spoke to Eyewitness News on Wednesday’s judgment of the Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Malawi, that ordered that the couple be extradited to South Africa to face trial following an extradition request by the South African government.
However, the order was suspended for 30 days.
The Bushiris face charges of fraud, money laundering and rape, among others.
A lack of faith in South Africa’s criminal justice system is what will keep the Bushiris' fight to remain in Malawi alive, according to Kusakala.
"Are you saying that it’s not the Bushiris’ intention to appear in South African courts?" EWN asked.
Kusakala said: "Yes, that’s why we have made an appeal because we don’t agree with that. How can we be in a country where you go to courts and there are no witnesses? Remember these police officers that arrested prophet and prophetess Bushiri are the very same policemen who were asking for money from him. R100 million in extortion."
The Bushiris fled the country in 2020 amid an array of charges, including fraud and money laundering to the tune of over R100 million.