Malawi High Court Rules Shepherd Bushiri Cannot Be Extradited to South Africa

• The Malawi High Court issued its final ruling on 13 October 2026 in the extradition case involving self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri
• Bushiri cited a lack of evidence, anonymous witnesses, and xenophobic attacks in South Africa among the concerns he raised before the court
• The ruling has drawn mixed reactions online, with some questioning whether diplomatic ties between Malawi and South Africa could be strained

MALAWI — The Malawi High Court has delivered a final ruling blocking the extradition of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri to South Africa, in a long-running legal battle that began when he and his wife, Mary, fled the country in late 2020.

Bushiri announced the outcome on 14 October 2026 via his verified X account, @psbushiri_, stating that the court sided with several arguments his legal team had advanced throughout the proceedings.

Bushiri cites hearsay and police misconduct

According to Bushiri, the court agreed that the evidence presented against him lacked substance, with key testimony dismissed on the grounds that it was hearsay rather than verified proof. He also noted that witnesses remained anonymous, a matter the court reportedly took into consideration.

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Beyond evidentiary concerns, Bushiri raised allegations of police misconduct, claiming certain officers had opened fraudulent cases against him in an attempt to extort money. He further pointed to what he described as xenophobic hostility directed at him in South Africa, including demonstrations outside his church and an incident in which church tents were petrol-bombed.

"It is concerning that some of the police generals involved in our arrest have reportedly since been arrested or dismissed over other corruption allegations," Bushiri wrote.

He questioned the integrity of the original case against him.

The Bushiris were arrested in South Africa in 2019 on charges of fraud, money laundering, and theft totalling more than R102 million. After being released on bail, the couple departed for Malawi in November 2020, describing the move as necessary for their safety. South African authorities subsequently pursued extradition, setting off years of complex legal proceedings across both countries.

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View the statement on X:

Mixed public reaction to the ruling

The announcement drew sharply divided responses online. Supporters celebrated the outcome as a vindication.

@Magiftee wrote:

"God fights for His own; this is another victory to celebrate 🎉 my Prophet, my Father, my Mentor"

Others were openly sceptical. @green_mokoto commented:

"Money can buy everything, including the justice system. God knows the truth, and we will wait for His judgment."

Questions about the broader implications for regional diplomacy also emerged. @mrJay265 asked:

"As a landlocked country, are we really risking diplomatic relations with South Africa for bushiri?"

@NeverCaredfo offered a blunter assessment:

"The chickens will come home to roost."

Bushiri loses court battle

In a related article, Briefly News reported on Shepherd Bushiri’s church losing its court bid to claim a R4.9 million property in Rustenburg. The North West High Court ruled that the church had not proved its ownership claim and ordered the applicants to pay legal costs.

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The property is registered under Bushiri’s ministry, which was placed in liquidation in 2024. Bushiri fled South Africa in 2020 while on bail, and authorities continue to seek his extradition to face charges.

Source: Briefly News