STAFF REPORTER
A WARRANT of arrest has been issued for self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, Government Communication and Information Services confirmed on Monday.
The Bushiris fled South Africa to Malawi last week Wednesday.
The couple’s escape plan remains shrouded in controversy amid reports that the Bushiris fled on Malawi’s presidential jet with President Lazarus Chakwera – something that has since been denied by both the Malawian president the South African government.
Bushiri, in a video link on Saturday, said he is demanding that the government assure their protection before they return for trial.
The government said it’s begun the process to extradite the couple, who are charged with fraud and money laundering.
Bushiri is adamant he’s not trying to evade trial but says he’s looking for intervention from his home country.
https://8369b34d0f46c54bb224d3262ae9aef2.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html The government said they are going to extradite the Bushiris using the SADC extradition laws.
Meanwhile, the Malawian government has issued a statement, expressing concern about the treatment president Chakwera received when leaving the country.
“The government of Malawi is aware and grateful that a public statement was recently issued by the South African government, exculpating President Chakwera from false allegations dominating the South African media that his presidential plane was used as a conduit for trafficking two Malawians [Shepherd and Mary Bushiri] wanted by South African authorities,” the statement read.
It went on to say the response from the South African government fell short of acknowledging the poor treatment received by Chakwera.
Earlier this month the Bushiris were released on bail after being charged with fraud and money laundering.
He said there had been attempts on his life and he accused the South African authorities of not offering protection.
Bushiri described his decision to skip bail as “a tactical withdrawal meant to preserve lives” while speaking to supporters on social media on Saturday.
Observers fear the issue could cause a diplomatic spat between Malawi and South Africa – as questions are being asked about how Mr Bushiri and his wife managed to leave.
(SOURCE: INSIDE POLITICS)
