Fugitive Malawian Prophet, Shepherd Bushiri, yesterday won big in the Malawi Magistrate’s court after the court found that the extradition documents provided by the South African government were incomplete.
However, the court rejected Bushiri’s application to be tried in a civil court, not a criminal court.
Last week Bushiri’s lawyer applied for extradition proceedings to be heard as civil and not criminal proceedings.
The Defence argued that the extradition request is incomplete, because the South African government has not provided all documentary evidence.
The court has this afternoon ruled that the case will continue being tried as a criminal matter.
Bushiri and his wife fled South Africa in November, where he is facing multiple charges including rape, fraud and money laundering.
Writing on his Facebook page, Bushiri said:
Thanks to all who came to stand in solidarity with Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and Prophetess Mary Bushiri today as they continue their long journey of seeking justice.
Here is what transpired in court.
1. The magistrate ruled in favour of Prophet Bushiri ordering the State to furnish his lawyers will all extradition request documents from South Africa and the gazzeted copy of the SADC Protocol on Extradition.
2. Prophet Bushiri’s lawyers asked the Court to summon all the South Africa’s witnesses to appear before Malawi court and testify in a quest to authenticate the affidavit-based evidence contained in the extradition request. This is according to the Section 9 of Extradition Act.
The State, however, is refusing to bring the witnesses, saying evidence by the affidavits is enough.
3. The Court, hence, will make its ruling on the matter on Monday 29th March. That will decide the way forward of the case.
Once more, thanks for your support.
