Malawi’s High Court on Oct. 31, 2025, set aside a lower court order that would have extradited Shepherd and Mary Bushiri to South Africa, calling the committal unlawful and unconstitutional. The ruling, made under Section 10(1) of the Extradition Act, halts their handover and keeps the couple in Malawi while the case record is reviewed. The decision followed defense arguments that the process threatened fair trial rights and failed to meet legal standards.
The Bushiris face fraud, theft, money laundering, and related charges tied to church-linked investment schemes alleged to exceed 100 million rand. They fled South Africa in 2020 after receiving bail and have fought extradition since. South African authorities noted the setback and are weighing an appeal to Malawi’s Supreme Court. Reactions in Malawi were mixed, with supporters hailing the outcome and critics warning of strain on ties with Pretoria. Rights groups pointed to due process concerns and urged both governments to let the legal process run without political pressure.
The Bushiris face fraud, theft, money laundering, and related charges tied to church-linked investment schemes alleged to exceed 100 million rand. They fled South Africa in 2020 after receiving bail and have fought extradition since. South African authorities noted the setback and are weighing an appeal to Malawi’s Supreme Court. Reactions in Malawi were mixed, with supporters hailing the outcome and critics warning of strain on ties with Pretoria. Rights groups pointed to due process concerns and urged both governments to let the legal process run without political pressure.
