Malawi High Court overturns Shepherd Bushiri extradition order

The Malawi High Court has issued a 175-page ruling overturning an extradition order for self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary. The decision, delivered by Justice Mzonde Mvula in Lilongwe, blocks the couple’s return to South Africa to face charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering exceeding R102 million.

The court found the initial committal order from March 2025 to be procedurally flawed. Specifically, the judge ruled that the Bushiris were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing, as the magistrate had issued a final ruling after hearing only the requesting state’s case. Additionally, the High Court identified substantive irregularities, including the improper authentication of documents and a reliance on hearsay evidence.

Justice Mvula also noted safety concerns regarding the couple, citing reported threats to their lives. Bushiri’s lawyer, Wapona Kita, stated that the ruling is a definitive victory and noted that the legal battle could only continue if the State decides to appeal the decision.