By Amy Musgrave
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has lashed out at uMkhonto weSizwe Party secretary general Floyd Shivambu for visiting so-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, who fled South Africa in 2020 while facing charges, including rape and fraud.
Kubayi said the MKP was a political party represented in Parliament and Shivambu’s association was a blatant act of disrespect towards South Africa’s legal system.
“Mr Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability,” Kubayi said in a statement.
“No one, regardless of status or position, is above the law. Political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, not fraternise with fugitives.”
The Bushiris, who are in Malawi, violated their bail conditions and prompted an official extradition request to the Malawian government.
In March 2025, a Malawian court ruled in favour of extraditing the couple to South Africa to face the law.
Kubayi said that such behaviour by a political leader not only undermined the credibility of the judiciary but also diminished the gravity of the charges against Bushiri, sending a dangerous message to the public and to victims of crime.
She urged all public representatives to work in partnership with law enforcement authorities to safeguard the country from those who violated the law.
In a video widely circulating on social media, Bushiri was seen publicly acknowledging Shivambu during an Easter service in Malawi.
Shivambu praised Bushiri on X on Saturday.
“Thank you my brother, Prophet Bushiri for hosting us and for the kind words. The government scale amount of work you do to economically, educationally, socially and spiritually uplift our people is unparalleled now and in history. I know that the leadership and people of Malawi appreciate and cherish the so many massive programmes you do for the people on the ground. Continue doing the good work.”
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