Bushiri, wife granted unconditional release: Malawi court rules arrest was illegal
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church and his wife, Mary, have made a giant score in the long battle to seek justice in the face of a menacing South African government baying for their extradition.
The couple has been unconditionally released by Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Viva Nyimba because their arrest was illegal, he ruled.
The Bushiris appeared before Lilongwe Magistrate Court on Thursday where the State wanted the couple to be remanded for 30 days for Malawi government and South Africa government to process the extradition.
Lawyer representing the Bushiris, Wapona Kita, challenged the State arguing there is no warrant of arrest from the court hence their detention is unlawful.
According to Kita, the two cannot continue to be in detention because the government of South Africa has not made a formal request to extradite Bushiri and his wife, Mary.
Kita asked the court to grant the two bail, saying they will comply with the court if request to extradite them by South African government.
He says the two cannot abscond bail or run away from the country because they chose to come to Malawi and not any other country.
In his ruling, Nyimba said underlined that the couple surrendered themselves to police as such they are not flight risk from their native country.
As things currently stand, it would seem that the Bushiris’ return to South Africa to face the music is largely dependent on the full cooperation of the Malawi government.
Malawi government spokesman Gospel Kazako has since said they will not interfere and hinder systems that were in place for the administration of justice.
He noted that the Malawian government was criticised by the South African media for allegedly employing delaying tactics and were seemingly unwilling to hand over the Bushiris to South African authorities.
Kazako said it was not about whether they were willing or not to handover the Bushiris but about the law.
The same South africans who run to other southern countries when the fire of apartheid run amock. The same South Africans who are busy killing white farmers. The same south african police which can not do anything about corrupt leaders like Guptas. But you want to chase the dust of Malawi. Its a sad day when foreigners indeed come to collect your own to go and punish possibly kill them while Malawians sit and cheer. A malawi mtima woyipa wa njiru. All of you are reading the story based on fakes news to smear a person. We all dont know if indeed he embezled the funds. For all we know most foreigners were perscuted. Fact is that South africa is one of the most Xenophobic countries in Africa. I for one I am happy that indeed the Judge respected the laws of the land. When will we learn to stop selling each other out without proof of criminality. We have so many foreigners who come to Malawi and conduct criminal activities with govermnet officials and ma Nyasa mukuphupha kuti Bushiri watuluka mu ndende.
That is why our national anthem says Gonjentsani adani onse, NJALA NTHENDA NSANJE.
This is a joke and biggest stupid mistake by viva, who must have taken bribe from this thug, a person who is fugitive and is known to have accumulated wealth by corrupt and fraud, how can one release such a conman and a fraudster. These was a reason court is RSA issued a warrant arrest and this stupid judge thinks he’s above the international criminal courts. Bushiri is a thug and con artist. Nothing more. He needs to be locked for long time in RSA and rot there.
SADC vs Citizen. Who votes during elections? Malawi must trade very carefully. What will Malawi lose even if they don’t become part of SADC?
SADC has failed to solve Zimbabwe and Mozambique problems. Till now the wanted Mozambican finance Minister hasn’t bn handed over to Mozambique. SADC officials just attend meetings, drink coffee, receive allowances, thus all. When south door closes go to the north door. South Africa must not dictate you Malawians. Malawians have lost a lot of their properties in the hands of South African govt. There is nothing tangible that Malawi gvt would lose by breaking the agreement. Bushiri will bring investment into Malawi. SADC will just destroy Malawi. Start finding relation with Tanzania or Zambia. Think wisely.
Fully agreed with you on SADC hence I laughed when someone suggested that this matter needs to be taken to SADC.
Where you and I differ is on the investments that you think he will bring. Will will firstly what has stopped him thus far from doing that?
Secondly do you know that investors watch such things as rule of law the minute Malawi breaks that law set down by Interpol which Malawi is part of the 194 member states any investors that would have thought of sending investments your way would simply switch it.
A perfect example for you is SA that has been on a bad trajectory with regards to rule of law and rating agencies e.g. S&P, Fitch etc when publishing their ratings on SA they sight lack of rule of law but the recent happenings have brought back confidence slightly with business leaders.
Thieves helping thieves…Kodi anamanga lodge pa malo omubera mnzimai wosauka uja ku Nkhatabay uja paja ndi ndani? Do your examination of conscious mkatolika Iwe? Wagamula mikonda ndalama I we, uzigwese wekha mumpingo. Shame on you. Diabetes will NEVER leave you, akutero Ambuye.
ADumisani Chatima Mkazi uja amupatsa belo. Chitani naye kanthu ameneyo.
Instead of being persecuted for preaching Christ, Bushiri is being persecuted for money laundering….the first prophet to break such records…even in the bible
Just send the idiot back to South Africa please.
Many South Africans are not happy with Bushiri and his wife Mary. The main problem is not Malawi government but South African government. The ruling made by Nyimba was excellent and that the head of state of South Africa does not seriously talk to his people the truth about other tribes. Each country has its own laws of governing the country and this why our President is so quiet on this matter and he should continue doing the same. Many South Africans do not give any respect to other tribes in their Country and yet when their fathers and mothers fled the Country to be assisted by others and were warmly welcomed. If you seriously look into the crime made by Bushiri and wife, this matter could not be on the top range of all cases in South Africa. Bushiri reported the matter to many offices including Police about the high corruption practiced by Hawks by pressing hard to Bushiri family to pay them millions of Rands. The problem picked up by Bushiri is giving them money during his early days of arrival ( KUWONGA, KAPENA KUGULA NJIRA) which was extremely bad. South Africa Judiciary should have discussed the Hawks case reported by Bushiri. I am surprised also to hear from their Justice Minister Ronald saying that instead of 30 days he now pegged at 14 days. Is this man a lawyer who does not the laws on the ground? As the above is not enough how they insulted the President of Malawi who visited his friend on a very important issues by very junior police officers of south africa!!! I feel this matter should be addressed by SADC leaders the behavior of Soth Africans including those gone to school. I am sure that some South African lawyers are there to pleased their President. Both their President and South Africans concerned should know that their borders are porous and very very corrupt Country. Crime part of the day hence our Prof. was killed, Chirwa recently killed not by thugs but other Church leaders and the government is just quiet. If the government of Malawi allows extradition of Bushiri and his wife believe you me only their names will come back home.
You say Bushiri bribed now that on it’s own is an offence in any country on earth.
You say SA has a high corruption problem and yes we have problem of corruption yet when it is done by Bushiri you want it brushed aside. It is either you keep to morals regardless of who commits a crime or not have any law at all.
If you are serious about fighting crime you go hard at the head and the rest just crumbles.
You even suggesting that our Judiciary should have discussed the case reported by Bushiri tells me you don’t know how our system works.
Pertaining to the issue of HE the problem was that the people that didn’t come via our airforce base wanted to board or leave with your President via the air force base that’s not allowed and your Foreign Affairs Minsiter should have known that. As an educated person I’m sure you would know this.
New flight plan had to to logged I’m sure you know that takes time. Do you know whom Bushiri is alleged to have met before he made a run for it?
Which is why SA must close down these churches mushrooming everywhere. They are a hive of money laundering rings and promoting rivalry amongst tme fighting over people to make weekly donations.
Did you read Minister Lamola’s statement with comprehension? He said he wants the extradition papers sent out in the next 2 weeks giving a timeline to his own people this side. Now what law or rule did he go against by saying that?
Ha ha ha junior police officers he do you know this? Do you know their rank? This is the problem with Africa it is concerned about titles rather than integrity, morals, good governance etc.
Bravo judiciary for the rescue of innocent family.Even men of God can also become very rich so need of persecuting them because of their fortune.
And you expect international investors to take you serious when we get croocked judgements like these? Bushiri will coz more harm to Malawi’s image and its its not goodooooo
Bushiri Must Go Back to SouthAfrica#
Good point. Amongst other things that investors look at one of the is the rule of law if you apply them selectively well they’ll let you know by their actions through lack of FDIs.
Ngombwax! Ukumva pheeeeniiii!!!
Sunagone ukufunika umwe overdose ya panado ! Ife Nde tikumva kukoma ma juice too much!
Imagine you came into this world with one mission: to hate Major 1 ! What a shame .
You too ngombwax can be saved and have all your terrible sins washed away by the blood of Jesus.
Call upon His name now , it’s not too late
That’s God of Major 1! He sets people free. You too can be set free from any problem! Is it sickness? Poverty? Maybe you don’t have peace of mind? Call upon the name of Jesus! Like the Prophet, God will also save you and you will be free indeed.
Call on His name now , this is the best time!
Remember do not under rate any man of God.They may have their short falls but the work they do to the people of the living God is very important in His sight.We often judge pe0ple by their looks and deeds but God looks way deep inside.Thanks Lord Jesus for vindicating your son Bushiri and his wife.Bravo aluta continua.
Muthu akamunjata ataba nkuthawa inu mumatinji? Ngati sadabe angathawe? I wonder why some of are praising this idiot? The South African government was protecting its citizens from this thief.
Good News ever! Iyee! 2020 is a GREAT YEAR!!! I love this that the law is taking its course. No media courts here. The Resident Magistrate has spoken, they are unconditionally released. Major 1 you are 12 steps ahead of your haters, you are dangerous! You are Major Provovo!! Moving from SA to Malawi was a prophetic move. To haters I say ” Check mate!”
does this mean that one can gain entry into malawi without a passport or do these 2 people have 12 passports? we know that 10 passports for these 2 people are with authorities in SA🤔
Malawi police is so pathetic, so you mean they couldn’t properly arrest bushiri for all those crimes? Why arrest bushiri based on TV or news reports?
Yes, big time bungling by Malawi police. A classical case of jumping the gun! Police chiefs should be turning red with embarrassment.
In all this, feel sorry for the other two co-accused in South Africa. They have just been used and left by the Bushiris. Lesson to everyone.
Don’t feel feel sorry for them. As the saying goes “you sleep with dogs you get fleas”.
From ‘Major1’ to ‘Major Prisoner’. I am smiling……all the way to Maula. (.Mzimba..prison is not congested…not yet)
White collar criminals are celebrated all over the world. In this case let the law take it’s course, indeed.
Why is the state always incompetent? Doesn’t matter which party is in charge…. The state prosecution teams only win against poor criminals. Against the rich ayayayaya 0/10
That’s what Ralph kasambara and his protégé wapona can do for you. They are expensive and crooked yes, but let’s be honest, they usually deliver the desired goods on time.
Am happy . We have to show other countries that we are united. South Africa government mustn’t undermine other countries
Ur happy bcs ur so called prophet steal from elderly people robbing them pension money? U r pathetic to human kind…, but wht goes around comes around,
Bushiri is not Malawi.
If he is guilty, he should face the law like everybody else.
But why did chakwera appoint kadzako as minister of information. The guy is a complete misfit and shows all the signs of a dinderhead.. this case of Bushiri has shown that Malawi is incapacitated on issue of public international relationship
Geraway
please take your medication..osamaphonya dosage
Akazako kuwayankha a ku South African mukuwayankha bwino kwambiri pano adziwanso kuti akumana ndi anthu anzeru wopanda mantha wophunzira. Aona Nyekhwe!
half time score; south africa 1:4 bushiri
akalowanso galu wakuba uyu
You are consumed by jealous.
Lets be realistic, Bushiri is a Mafia for sure. South African gvt has failed to provide proper evidence to their allegetions and thus they out to steal from Bushiri for his foreign status in their country. Let the man be free ….. Bushiri has scored much and even the Govt of RSA itself still is failing to solve the puzzle of his Escape… Za ana ochangamuka izi… Wapona Kita on the steering wheel
We want our investment from that bustard he must pay us bfr Nigerian mafias kill him, as he always owes them lots of money so bfr thy finish him he must pay us
… Iol… I tell you the Shepard is at a very tight corner.
Wendy Harawa unandidyera 50 yanga ku chez
Uzabweza
next time kapeze ma husha a sie yako ku Chigwiri
Abalenu zoona mwana wathu wathawira kwawo ndipo
akudandaula kuti pali adani alikumusaka kufunafuna
kuti aphedwe Nde inu ngati kholo muganiza bwanji?
i think Human rights of malawi must do something about
this matter chifukwa mwanayo akulira ndi mavuto amene akhala
akukumana nawo mziko la south africa.