The Lilongwe Magistrate Court in Malawi has ruled that self-proclaimed Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary must be extradited to South Africa, where they face a range of serious charges including fraud, money laundering, corruption, and multiple violations of financial and immigration laws.
Chief Resident Magistrate Judge Patrick Chirwa delivered the ruling on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle involving the couple.
Responding to the decision, South Africa’s Department of Justice and Constitutional Development welcomed the court’s outcome. However, it confirmed that the Bushiris intend to appeal the ruling, a move the South African government plans to oppose. The department stated that it would await the final outcome of the appeal process and, should the appeal not proceed, would expect formal notification from Malawi’s Central Authority.
The Bushiris, founders of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, were initially arrested in South Africa in 2020 on a string of charges. After being granted bail, they fled the country in violation of their bail conditions and resurfaced in Malawi. Their departure prompted South Africa to submit a formal extradition request, seeking their return to stand trial for several offences, including:
- Rape
- Breach of bail conditions
- Violations of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act
- Breach of the Banking, Civil Aviation, and Immigration Acts
The Department of Justice described the ruling as a positive step toward ensuring justice and reinforcing public trust in legal institutions. It praised the cooperation between the South African and Malawian judicial systems, highlighting the importance of accountability, transparency, and international legal collaboration.
“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 department said, noting the matter had attracted wide public interest and media attention.
The department reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and strengthening international partnerships to bring fugitives to justice. It also confirmed ongoing coordination with Malawi’s Central Authority, INTERPOL, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Once extradition arrangements are finalised, INTERPOL and SAPS will oversee the logistics of the transfer, with the State covering all associated costs.
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