Bushiri's Extradition Saga Drags On
Their case was adjourned until May 15th as defense lawyers demand more time to pore over prosecution evidence.
LILONGWE, Malawi - The protracted legal battle over the potential extradition of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary to South Africa has hit another delay, writes Winston Mwale.
Their case was adjourned until May 15th as defense lawyers demand more time to pore over prosecution evidence.
It is the latest twist in a convoluted affair that has dragged on for nearly four years since the couple fled South Africa in late 2020 while facing charges including fraud, money-laundering and contravening tax laws.
The Bushiris' legal team, led by Wapona Kita, successfully argued for the adjournment to scrutinize materials submitted by South African prosecutors.
Kita had already landed a small victory during earlier testimony, when a senior state witness acknowledged that a KPMG audit found no evidence the couple personally benefited from 106m rand they are accused of misappropriating from an investment scheme.
Such admissions bolster the defense's claims that the South African charges are “flimsy” - with Kita contending that only three of the 13 counts are potentially extraditable offenses under the two countries' treaty.
The sordid tug-of-war reflects poorly on all involved.
The Bushiris stand accused of defrauding gullible followers of millions through their affluent-lifestyle evangelical church, making a mockery of faith.
South Africa's prosecutorial zeal has been undercut by basic errors like failing to ensure crucial witnesses were available to testify.
And Malawi's legal process has allowed the case to fester for years while the accused remain unbothered under liberal bail conditions.
With the charismatic preacher still drawing large crowds and courting political patronage at home, Malawi's president, Lazarus Chakwera, faces a tricky balancing act.
Deporting the celebrity couple could bolster his credentials as a no-nonsense graft-buster.
But any missteps risk inflaming the passions of Bushiri's fervent flock.
For a fragile democracy still finding its feet after decades of misrule, the political and diplomatic pitfalls around this high-profile case are treacherous indeed.
Good to read some objective balanced reporting instead of the biased nonsense spouted by various sections of the press in Malawi which only suggests they are in Bushiri's pocket.