KEY POINTS
- Malawi’s Chief Resident Magistrate Court has approved South Africa’s request to extradite Shepherd and Mary Bushiri, who are accused of fraud and money laundering amounting to R102 million.
- The Bushiris fled South Africa in November 2020 while on bail and have since been fighting extradition, claiming they did not feel safe in the country.
- The couple plans to appeal the ruling, but if unsuccessful, they will be returned to South Africa to stand trial, marking a significant milestone in international legal cooperation.
In a landmark ruling, Malawi’s Chief Resident Magistrate Court has granted South Africa’s request to extradite self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, to face fraud and money laundering charges.
The decision comes more than four years after the Bushiri and his wife fled South Africa while on bail, sparking a lengthy legal battle and diplomatic efforts between the two nations.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in South Africa welcomed the ruling, stating that it “reaffirms judicial independence, international cooperation, and public trust in the South African and Malawian legal institutions.” The ministry further emphasized that the decision “demonstrates the strength of both countries’ judicial frameworks and diplomatic engagements.”
Bushiri and his wife, who lead the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church with branches across Africa, are accused of orchestrating a R102 million fraud and money laundering scheme.
According to TheCitizen, Bushiri and his fled South Africa in November 2020, just days after being granted bail of R200,000 each under strict conditions. South Africa submitted an extradition request to Malawi in December 2020, but the process has been delayed by legal challenges and appeals.
The case against the Bushiris
The couple’s legal troubles began in 2020 when they were arrested in South Africa on charges of fraud, money laundering, and violating bail conditions. The allegations include defrauding church members through a fraudulent investment scheme and laundering millions of rand. The case has drawn significant attention due to Bushiri’s high-profile status as a self-proclaimed prophet with a massive following.
After fleeing to Malawi, the Bushiris claimed they did not feel safe in South Africa, citing threats to their lives. However, South African authorities dismissed these claims, insisting that the couple must face trial.
The Malawi court’s decision to grant the extradition request marks a significant step forward in the case.
