A court in Lilongwe, Malawi, said Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary must return to South Africa. They face multiple charges, including fraud, rape, and escaping during their bail period. Bushiri runs the Enlightened Christian Gathering church, where he claims to be a prophet. He made news when he fled South Africa back in November 2020 after officials released him on bail.
The judges finally made their decision after legal battles lasted more than two years between both countries. South African officials praised the ruling as proof that courts can work together across national borders. They believe this strengthens public faith in both Malawian and South African legal systems. The couple still has hope because their attorney, Wapona Kita, asked for bail and wants to pause the extradition order.
Prosecutors did not fight against their bail request, letting the court decide what happened next. Experts predict this case will continue through higher courts and might eventually reach the Supreme Court of Appeal. South African leaders promise they will build stronger legal connections with other nations to catch people who run from charges and maintain fair justice systems that everyone can trust.
Mystery still surrounds how Bushiri managed to escape from South Africa in the first place. Rumors suggest he possibly used President Lazarus Chakwera's official airplane to slip away unnoticed. South African security forces searched this aircraft thoroughly before allowing the Malawian president to depart. Many officials consider this extradition ruling a major success for South Africa's efforts to bring fugitives back to face justice.
The judges finally made their decision after legal battles lasted more than two years between both countries. South African officials praised the ruling as proof that courts can work together across national borders. They believe this strengthens public faith in both Malawian and South African legal systems. The couple still has hope because their attorney, Wapona Kita, asked for bail and wants to pause the extradition order.
Prosecutors did not fight against their bail request, letting the court decide what happened next. Experts predict this case will continue through higher courts and might eventually reach the Supreme Court of Appeal. South African leaders promise they will build stronger legal connections with other nations to catch people who run from charges and maintain fair justice systems that everyone can trust.
Mystery still surrounds how Bushiri managed to escape from South Africa in the first place. Rumors suggest he possibly used President Lazarus Chakwera's official airplane to slip away unnoticed. South African security forces searched this aircraft thoroughly before allowing the Malawian president to depart. Many officials consider this extradition ruling a major success for South Africa's efforts to bring fugitives back to face justice.
