Malawi High Court Blocks Bushiri Extradition to South Africa in Final Ruling
The High Court of Malawi has issued a final ruling setting aside an order that paved the way for Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, to be extradited to South Africa.
In a judgment handed down in Lilongwe, Justice Mzonde Mvula upheld the decision to overturn a March 2025 committal order issued by the Chief Resident Magistrate. The court identified procedural and legal flaws in the extradition proceedings, including that the couple had not been given a proper opportunity to be heard.
Bushiri’s lawyer, Wapona Kita, said the ruling meant the couple could no longer be extradited under the quashed order. However, the state could still challenge the decision on appeal.
Bushiri welcomed the ruling, raising concerns about the evidence presented against the couple, the treatment of witnesses and alleged police misconduct. He also cited concerns about their safety if they were returned to South Africa.
The couple returned to Malawi in 2020 while out on bail in South Africa. They face charges linked to their Enlightened Christian Gathering ministry, including fraud, theft and money laundering. Both have denied the allegations and have previously argued that they would not receive a fair trial or be safe if extradited.
The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running extradition case, although a possible appeal could lead to further legal proceedings.
- Bushiri extradition case, Bushiri fraud charges, Bushiri money laundering allegations, Enlightened Christian Gathering, Justice Mzonde Mvula, Malawi High Court, March 2025 committal order, Mary Bushiri, MDNTV, mdntvlive, mdntvnews, Shepherd Bushiri, Shepherd Bushiri extradition ruling, South Africa extradition proceedings, Wapona Kita
