The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed Malawi’s Chief Resident Magistrate Court ruling ordering the extradition of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, to South Africa.

At the time of their escape, the couple faced a R102 million fraud and money laundering case, along with additional charges, including rape allegations against Bushiri. In 2020, they appeared in multiple South African courts but later fled to Malawi under unclear circumstances after being granted bail.

Following their disappearance, the South African government submitted an extradition request to Lilongwe, seeking their return to face charges related to fraud, rape, immigration violations, and breaches of multiple financial laws.

However, National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi has cautioned that the ruling is not yet a victory, as the Bushiris are expected to launch appeal proceedings, which could further delay their extradition.