Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri has made explosive allegations towards high South African safety officers, together with a Hawks normal he recognized as “Sibiya,” following a court docket victory in Malawi.
Bushiri and his spouse, Mary, expressed reduction after the Malawi Excessive Court docket dominated their extradition to South Africa illegal and unconstitutional.
The Lilongwe Justice of the Peace’s Court docket had permitted their extradition on 12 March 2025 to face fraud and cash laundering prices involving R102 million.
The couple had fled to Malawi in November 2020, shortly after being granted R200 000 bail every.
South Africa submitted an extradition request in December 2020.
Bushiri mentions allegations of extortion and threats
Throughout a Friday evening service on the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), Bushiri described years of authorized battles, smear campaigns, and threats towards him and his household.
He claimed that in 2016, 4 Hawks members approached him demanding R12 million as a “safety payment” to permit him and his household to stay in South Africa.
Bushiri stated police autos and even a helicopter appeared at his church after he refused to pay.
He claimed {that a} senior police official warned him of a harmful cartel and steered beefing up safety.
Later, he linked him with different high-ranking officers, together with a former minister and a member of the State Safety Company.
Sibiya allegedly concerned in Bushiri’s corruption claims
Bushiri alleged that the monetary calls for escalated over time and implicated a “normal Sibiya” within the Hawks.
He claimed his staff collected massive sums of cash purportedly to resolve the case.
Bushiri stated he approached an intelligence officer, who referred him to the Impartial Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
He claimed an Ipid case was opened, however that somebody from the Nationwide Prosecuting Authority allegedly tipped off the officers he accused, resulting in his arrest as a substitute.
He additionally recounted assassination makes an attempt, together with one at a Sandton petrol station in February 2020, which prompted his transfer to Malawi.
Bushiri insisted that fleeing was a matter of searching for justice, not escaping it.
South African Authorities Responds
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi stated the South African authorities is reviewing the Malawi Excessive Court docket ruling to find out its subsequent steps.
A press release from the Ministry of Justice stated South Africa stays dedicated to pursuing all authorized avenues. Reaffirming the significance of judicial independence and continued diplomatic cooperation with Malawi.
