South Africa Reviews Malawi Court Decision Blocking Shepherd Bushiri Extradition

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed that the South African government is carefully reviewing the Malawian High Court’s decision to overturn an earlier order for the extradition of self-proclaimed Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary.

The ruling, delivered by the High Court in Lilongwe on Friday, nullified the 12 March decision by the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court that had authorised the couple’s return to South Africa to face multiple criminal charges.

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According to the court, the initial proceedings were “one-sided” and did not adequately balance the Bushiris’ rights — a finding that has now placed South Africa’s extradition efforts on hold.

Kubayi said the Department of Justice is “studying the judgment” to determine its next legal steps.

“The South African Government is studying the judgment and will determine the next legal course of action once a full assessment has been concluded,” Kubayi stated.

SA Determined To Pursue Justice Against Shepherd Bushiri

Despite the setback, Kubayi reaffirmed government’s commitment to accountability and justice.

“We remain steadfast in pursuing all available legal avenues to ensure that justice is ultimately served,” she added.

The minister expressed confidence in the integrity of both South Africa’s and Malawi’s judicial systems, emphasising that continued cooperation remains vital.

“South Africa continues to have confidence in the strength and independence of both countries’ judicial frameworks. It is important that we maintain strong diplomatic engagement and cooperation between our nations,” she said.

Cross-Border Cooperation Remains Key

Kubayi further noted that the Department of Justice, acting as South Africa’s Central Authority, will continue to engage closely with Malawi to uphold the rule of law and combat transnational crime.

“We will keep collaborating with our Malawian counterparts to ensure that justice prevails, fight corruption, and strengthen mechanisms for cross-border cooperation in criminal matters,” she said.

The Bushiris, leaders of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, fled South Africa in November 2020, shortly after being granted R200 000 bail each by the Pretoria Central Magistrate’s Court.

They face multiple charges, including fraud, money laundering, and breaching bail conditions linked to a R102 million investment scheme.

The latest Malawian High Court ruling effectively suspends South Africa’s efforts to extradite the couple, temporarily delaying their return to face trial.

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