The Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has ordered the extradition of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary to South Africa where they face multiple charges, including rape, forgery, fraud, and bail-jumping.
The couple, who fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail, have been embroiled in a long-standing legal battle.
Again, Prophet Bushiri, the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church, is accused of defrauding his followers of millions of dollars through questionable investment schemes.
Prophet Bushiri is set to face three rape charges, as well as charges of forgery, fraud, and jumping bail.
His wife, Mary, also faces charges of fraud, forgery, and bail-jumping.
However, some charges, including theft, money laundering, and racketeering, were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
The court has ordered the couple to remain in custody until they are handed over to South African authorities.
But Bushiri’s lawyer, Wapona Kita, has asked the court to pause the extradition order and grant the couple bail.
State lawyer Dziko Malunda has argued that if bail is allowed, it should come with strict conditions, such as large sums of money, property guarantees, and signed commitments from sureties.
The court is yet to make a ruling on the submissions by both the State and defense.
