Malawi Court Orders Extradition of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife to South Africa

THABO MONYELA|March 13, 2025

EXTRADITION: Malawi’s Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has ordered the extradition of fugitives Prophet Bushiri and his wife, Mary, to South Africa, where they face charges of fraud, money laundering, and other offences. Photo: Facebook

Malawi’s chief Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe, Madalitso Chimwaza, has ordered that fugitives prophet Bushiri and his wife, Mary, be extradited to South Africa. There, they face charges of fraud, money laundering, and other crimes.

The controversial couple mysteriously fled the country after skipping bail in 2020, facing charges of money laundering to the tune of R102 million, fraud and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

The prophet and his wife were later located in their country of birth, Malawi.

Following this, the South Africa government submitted an extradition request to Malawi, seeking their return to stand trial on multiple charges, which includes, rape, violating bail conditions, contravening the Financial Advisory and Immigration Act.

However, Bushiri’s lawyer, Wapona Kita, told the media outside the Lilongwe High Court that they intended to appeal the ruling.

In a statement released on Wednesday, March 12, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development welcomed the ruling of Malawi’s Resident Magistrate Court.

SETBACK: Despite his legal setback, Prophet Bushiri, the founder of the Enlightened Church Gathering (ECG) church, described the court ruling against him and his wife Mary as a “tremendous victory” because charges of theft, money laundering and racketeering were dropped.

It added that this is a significant milestone in international legal cooperation, which demonstrates the strength of both South Africa and Malawi’s judicial frameworks.

“The South African government welcomes the ruling in the Shepherd and Mary Bushiri extradition matter delivered by the Republic of Malawi’s Chief Resident”

“This decision reaffirms judicial independence, international cooperation, and public trust in the South African and Malawian legal institutions”.

“And 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, said the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development spokesperson Terrence Manase.

He said the South African government would oppose the controversial pair’s intended appeal against their extradition.

“The Department awaits for a formal notification from the Central Authority of the Republic of Malawi and once received, the INTERPOL, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), will coordinate the transfer arrangements and logistics of the fugitives Bushiri and his wife,” Manase added.

According to Malawi Voice, theft, money laundering and racketeering charges against the Bushiris were dropped due to sufficient evidence.

Despite his legal setback, the founder of the Enlightened Church Gathering (ECG) church described the ruling as a tremendous victory. Bushiri said 10 of the 13 charges they were facing were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

“This is a tremendous victory, and we give all the glory to God. We were facing 13 cases in court and 10 of those we dismissed, due to lack of evidence. And, on the 3 remaining charges, we will appeal the ruling at the High Court of Malawi, “ Bushiri said in a statement on social media.