Malawi court orders Bushiri and his wife to be extradited to South Africa
The pair fled South Africa in 2020 after they failed to comply with their bail conditions.
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 Malawi Chief Resident Magistrate Court has ordered that self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri, and his wife, Mary Bushiri, be extradited to South Africa and face the music after fleeing the country.
The controversial pair fled South Africa in 2020 after failing to comply with bail conditions.
They face various charges, including rape and contravening the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, as well as the Immigration Act, among others.
Eyewitness News has reliably learnt that Bushiri may be facing other charges in Malawi, as the court is currently hearing an application for bail by the fugitive.
However, in a statement, South Africa's justice and constitutional development department has welcomed the ruling, adding that it was a significant milestone in international legal cooperation, reinforcing the principle of the rule of law.
The department has cautioned that the Bushiris have allegedly indicated their intention to appeal the matter, which it said it would oppose.