Shepherd Bushiri Refuses to Return to South Africa Despite Extradition Ruling
Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, have made it clear that they have no plans to return to South Africa to face trial. According to his spokesperson, Bushiri believes that the South African justice system is unfair, and as a result, he intends to remain in Malawi despite an extradition order issued by the Malawian Magistrate’s Court on March 12, 2025.
Bushiri Rejects Extradition Ruling
Following the court’s decision to extradite them, Bushiri’s spokesperson, Aubrey Kusakala, told Eyewitness News (EWN) that Bushiri has no confidence in South Africa’s legal system. When asked if this meant Bushiri would refuse to stand trial in South Africa, he responded:
“That’s why we have appealed, because we don’t agree with the ruling. How can we be in a country where you go to courts and there are no witnesses?”
Kusakala further alleged that South African police officers had attempted to extort money from Bushiri, claiming that they demanded R100 million from him.
“Remember, these police officers who arrested Prophet and Prophetess Bushiri are the same policemen who were asking for money from him—R100 million in extortion,” he claimed.
Bushiri had previously stated that SAPS officers allegedly demanded R10 million from him, further fueling his decision to flee.
Bushiri and His Wife Fled SA in 2020
Bushiri and his wife escaped South Africa in November 2020 while they were out on R200,000 bail. At the time, he was facing serious charges, including:
Fraud
Money laundering
Theft totaling over R100 million
The couple fled just months before their trial was set to begin in May 2021. Bushiri later claimed that he had received death threats, which led to his decision to leave South Africa.
Social Media Reacts to Bushiri’s Statement
Bushiri’s refusal to return sparked outrage among South Africans, with many demanding that he face justice.
@Simphiwe Rasmeni: “If that was the case, they should have never come to the country in the first place.”
@Thivhakoni Colbert: “He is on the run while he was on bail. What’s the fairness he’s talking about? 🤷♀️”
@Israel Moukangwe: “The same courts that gave him bail while he was a flight risk? Does he think everyone is brainwashed like his followers?”
@Minenhle Emihle Melisizwe Ngema: “You committed the crime here, not in Malawi. So, we need you in South Africa for your fair trial.”
@Amanda Otto-Ruiters: “You did the crimes in SA. So stand trial here.”
@Sibusiso Mthombheni: “Oh look, someone doesn’t want to be held accountable for their actions.”
Will Bushiri Be Extradited?
Despite the Malawian court’s extradition order, social media users debated whether Bushiri would actually return to face trial. Some doubted that Malawian authorities would enforce the ruling, while others insisted that he must be held accountable.
Key Developments in the Bushiri Case
Bushiri claims he fled SA due to threats against his life.
He has been accused of fraud, money laundering, and theft exceeding R100 million.
Two women have also accused him of sexual assault.
His security guards were arrested for the murder of an alleged church thief.
Malawian authorities previously stopped Bushiri’s family from leaving for Kenya.
There are reports that Bushiri has secretly been traveling in and out of South Africa.
With the extradition ruling in place, all eyes are now on whether Malawi will enforce the court’s decision or if Bushiri will continue to evade justice.
Source: Briefly News