Malawi signs Bushiri extradition papers, but what now?

The Malawi government on Monday signed papers, acceding to requests by that of South Africa for the extradition of fugitive self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary.

Shepherd Bushiri PIC: Bushiri Facebook page

Malawi’s Attorney-General, Chikosa Silungwe made the recommendation which was backed byHomeland Security Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda who signed the document according to Information Minister and government spokesperson Gospel Kazako.

Banda said it was up to the courts to decide whether Bushiri would be arrested and sent to South Africa.

Some believe this process will take months or even years while the Bushiris exhaust all avenues available to them legally. A High Court hearing is expected on 22 December 2020, the consequences of which either way remain unclear, according to local journalists.

The reportedly close relationship between the Bushiris and President Lazarus Chakwera seems to be questionable on the face of it. It is believed the government has been keen to keep distance between itself and the couple after claims Chakwera had assisted the Bushiris in their skipping bail. It is even suggested that a decision to allow Bushiri to host an overnight vigil for his church on 31 December 2020 was blocked by the government.

As it stands, much is up in the air as the normally vocal Bushiri and his wife remain tight lipped.