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‘He’s coming back for Christmas’: SA reacts to Malawi government signing papers for Bushiris’ extradition

15/12/2020

Controversial self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri coming back to South Africa have once again dominated social media after reports that

the Malawian high court was granted authority to issue a warrant of arrest for the couple’s arrest so that they can be extradited to SA.

READ :Minister Naledi Pandor and President Chakwera helped Bushiris to escape via Waterkloof Air Force base

The extradition of the couple has been long-awaited since they flouted their bail conditions and

escaped to their home country under mysterious circumstances last month.

On Monday, SA Times reported that Malawi’s attorney-general, Chikosa Silungwe, gave

the Malawian high court permission to issue a warrant for the arrest of

the fugitives so they can face criminal charges in SA relating to a R100m “investment scheme.”

Malawi’s minister of information Gospel Kazako said the papers have been signed for the extradition of the couple,

though it remains unclear when the court will hear the matter on the issuing of the arrest warrant.

The legal representative of one of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s co-accused will have his work cut out in pleading his client’s case for bail.

Advocate JP Marais, acting for Willah Mudolo, is scheduled to start cross-examination of investigating officer Col Daniel Marais in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Tuesday.

This comes after Marais testified on Monday how the Hawks had built a solid case against Mudolo.

Mudolo, his wife Zethu, Bushiri, his wife Mary and Landiwe Ntlokwane were arrested on charges of fraud, theft and money laundering involving about R100m related to a supposed investment scheme.

All of the accused, except Mudolo, are out on bail. While he had previously provisionally withdrawn his bail application, the Zambian national, who authorities said was in the country illegally, decided to apply for bail last week.

While he argues to be released on bail, co-accused Shepherd and Mary Bushiri face an extradition battle after they fled to Malawi just days after paying R400,000 bail.

Malawi granted SA an extradition order for the Bushiris on Monday.