South Africa-The South African government has welcomed a ruling by Malawian courts ordering the extradition of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, to face trial in South Africa.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed the development, emphasising the importance of international legal cooperation in combating transnational crime.
“This decision reaffirms judicial independence, international cooperation, and public trust in the South African and Malawian legal institutions,” Kubayi stated. “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.”
The Bushiris had appeared before two South African courts in 2020, facing an array of criminal charges, including fraud, money laundering, rape, and contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, the Banking Act, the Civil Aviation Act, and the Immigration Act.
They were granted bail but fled South Africa under mysterious circumstances.
Their escape, reportedly aided by high-level political connections, raised serious concerns about the complicity of state officials in shielding corrupt religious leaders.
South Africa subsequently submitted an extradition request to Malawi, which the courts have now upheld.
The Department of Justice, working with INTERPOL, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the South African Police Service (SAPS), is now preparing for the Bushiris’ return.
However, Kubayi revealed that the couple intends to appeal the ruling, a move the South African government will strongly oppose.
“If they do not appeal, the Department of Justice will await formal notification from Malawi’s Central Authority. Once received, INTERPOL and SAPS will coordinate the transfer arrangements,” Kubayi explained.
Bushiri is one of several self-styled prophets in Africa who have amassed enormous wealth and influence under the guise of religious leadership while engaging in fraudulent activities.
His Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, headquartered in South Africa, attracted thousands of desperate followers, many of whom fell victim to elaborate scams disguised as miracle healings and prosperity teachings.
Similarly, Zimbabwean preacher Uebert Angel, another controversial figure in the Pentecostal movement, has faced allegations of fraud, money laundering, and political manipulation.
A close associate of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Angel was implicated in an Al Jazeera investigation exposing gold smuggling operations linked to high-level government corruption.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Angel continues to operate freely, shielded by Zimbabwe’s ruling elites.
Both Bushiri and Angel exemplify a troubling trend where so-called ‘men of God’ use their religious platforms to launder money, manipulate followers, and evade prosecution through political connections.
In Bushiri’s case, his close ties with Malawian political figures have long delayed his extradition, raising questions about the integrity of the justice system.
Across Africa, self-proclaimed prophets have leveraged their influence to align with ruling elites, securing immunity from legal repercussions.
Malawian officials reportedly granted Bushiri VIP protection upon his arrival in the country, while Angel enjoys diplomatic privileges as Zimbabwe’s ambassador-at-large.
Such alliances make it exceedingly difficult to hold these figures accountable.
Even as courts issue rulings against them, political interference continues to obstruct justice.
South Africa’s determination to extradite Bushiri marks a crucial step in dismantling this cycle of impunity.
The Bushiri case will test Malawi’s judicial independence and commitment to upholding the rule of law.
While the extradition ruling is a victory for justice, the appeal process and potential political manoeuvring could delay the process further.