A MALAWIAN Chief Resident Magistrate Court has ordered that controversial pastor Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, be extradited to South Africa.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kabuyi, said the South African government welcomed the ruling on Wednesday.
The Bushiris have appeared before two South African courts in 2020, facing criminal charges, including rape against the self-proclaimed prophet.
The couple were granted bail pending trial but failed to comply with their bail conditions and fled the country under unknown circumstances.
In response, SA submitted an extradition request to Malawi, seeking the Bushiri’s return to face a vrag charges, including, violating bail conditions, contraventions of the Contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, Banking Act, Civil Aviation Act, and Immigration Act
Kabuyi says: “This decision reaffirms judicial independence, international cooperation, and public trust in the South African and Malawian legal institutions.
“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.”
Kabuyi added that she had been informed that the Bushiris intended to appeal the ruling.
“The South African government will oppose the appeal. The Department will await the outcome of the appeal process if they proceed.”
She said if they do not appeal, the Department of Justice will await formal notification from Malawi's Central Authority.
Kabuyi states: “Once received, INTERPOL, in collaboration with the South African Police Service [SAPS], will coordinate the transfer arrangements and logistics. The State will cover all associated costs.”