Bushiris escape custody: CRM stays extradition ruling

Chief Resident Magistrate (CRM) Madalitso Chimwaza put a hold on her ruling yesterday, which would have seen Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, extradited to South Africa to face multiple charges.

The South African government, through the state, had sought their extradition for alleged crimes committed within its borders.

Initially, Magistrate Chimwaza ruled that the couple be committed to custody on three extraditable offences: fraud, forgery, and contravention of bail conditions.

However, seven other charges, including racketeering, were dropped.

Additionally, Bushiri, as the first accused, was to be held for three counts of rape.

Following the ruling, Bushiri’s defence team petitioned for a stay, arguing their intent to appeal the decision in the High Court.

Magistrate Chimwaza granted the request, stating that the High Court has the authority to grant bail and extend the 30-day stay period.

“Since the case has been committed to the High Court for appeal, the same court will handle bail issues as well as the extension of the 30-day stay should the defence decide to do so,” said Chimwaza.

However, Director of Criminal Litigation at the Ministry of Justice, Dzikondianthu Malunda, warned that the appeal process at the High Court could drag on, delaying the final resolution of the case.

Meanwhile, Wapona Kita, the Bushiris lawyer, welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory for due process.

“We have been given 30 days, and we intend to make good use of them. Probably in the next seven days, we should have our application ready,” said Kita.

For now, the Bushiris remain free as the legal battle over their extradition takes yet another turn, prolonging their stay in Malawi amid ongoing legal wrangling.