Self-described prophet Shepherd Bushiri alleged that South Africa’s Hawks sought a bribe to make his fraud case disappear, naming a captain who he said linked the request to a senior officer widely understood to be suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. The claim surfaced days after the Malawi High Court in Lilongwe on Oct. 31, 2025, set aside a March extradition order and allowed Bushiri and his wife, Mary, to remain in Malawi unless South Africa appeals. Hawks officials have previously rejected similar accusations. The National Prosecuting Authority said it was reviewing the judgment for next steps.
Bushiri fled South Africa in 2020 while on bail on charges of fraud, money laundering, and rape tied to alleged losses exceeding 100 million rand. He says he faces bias and threats in South Africa. Sibiya has been accused at the Madlanga Commission of taking large monthly payments from an alleged cartel leader, allegations he denies. Supporters of Bushiri cast the new claim as proof of persecution, while critics see deflection. The dispute could strain ties between the two countries as the case winds through further legal challenges.
Bushiri fled South Africa in 2020 while on bail on charges of fraud, money laundering, and rape tied to alleged losses exceeding 100 million rand. He says he faces bias and threats in South Africa. Sibiya has been accused at the Madlanga Commission of taking large monthly payments from an alleged cartel leader, allegations he denies. Supporters of Bushiri cast the new claim as proof of persecution, while critics see deflection. The dispute could strain ties between the two countries as the case winds through further legal challenges.
