A court in Malawi recently approved the extradition of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, who is facing fraud charges. The couple has appealed the decision, adding more drama to their ongoing legal troubles. Bushiri, a millionaire known for establishing churches across Africa, is accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals by selling items like "miracle oil" that promise life-changing results.
Bushiri claims to have performed miraculous acts, including curing HIV and restoring sight to the blind. However, he also faces serious allegations, including rape. Both he and his wife deny any wrongdoing.
The situation has drawn attention from South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who criticized the actions of South African politician Floyd Shivambu. Shivambu visited Bushiri in Malawi, which Kubayi described as disrespectful to South Africa’s legal system. She warned that such actions could encourage others to evade accountability for their actions.
Shivambu’s political party, the newly formed MK party, quickly distanced itself from his visit, stating that he acted without their knowledge or approval. The party expressed its commitment to fighting gender-based violence and rejecting the exploitation of vulnerable communities, particularly those who are manipulated by faith for personal gain.
Despite the controversy, Shivambu praised Bushiri on social media, highlighting the positive impact he believes Bushiri has on the community. He thanked Bushiri for his hospitality and commended his efforts to uplift people in Malawi through various programs.
This situation comes amid significant political changes in South Africa. The MK party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, gained attention last year when it secured third place in the elections, marking a shift in the political landscape as the governing ANC lost its long-held majority.
Shivambu, who joined the MK party from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) last year, has quickly risen to a top position within the new party. His recent actions have sparked debate and concern among political observers and the public alike.