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Self-proclaimed prophet and controversial millionaire Shepherd Bushiri returned home despite being on bail in South Africa on fraud charges.
The surprise return of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri to his country of Malawi, despite being released on bail in South Africa on fraud charges, has threatened to spark a diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
Bushiri, a controversial preacher who led a Christian congregation in South Africa and is believed to be a billionaire, announced on Saturday that he was back in Malawi, despite being ordered to remain in South Africa.
He claimed that he was not fleeing the prosecution, arguing that he had left South Africa in fear for his life, as “there have been clear and obvious attempts to have me, my wife and my family killed.”
There was speculation in the South African media that Bushiri may have left the country on the plane of Malawian Prime Minister Lazarus Chakwera, who visited South Africa last week.
But Malawian authorities denied Sunday they had anything to do with Bushiri’s return.
“Bushiri never traveled with the presidential entourage,” Malawi’s National Security Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda told the dpa news agency.
He added that authorities are investigating how the preacher entered Malawi and said Malawi could extradite Bushiri if Pretoria makes a formal request.
In South Africa, the opposition Democratic Alliance called for an investigation after reports suggested Bushiri managed to leave the country by bribing officials.
Meanwhile, South African Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said on Twitter that authorities “will find Bushiri” and hold him to account.
This country is not a banana republic, Bushiri must have this in mind: we will hold him accountable in this country. We don’t need a love letter from him.
– Minister of Transport | Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) November 14, 2020
Bushiri has a large following who believe that his claims have worked miracles, such as curing people from AIDS and raising the dead.
His wealth comes from donations from followers of his Illuminated Christian Gathering church in the South African capital, Pretoria.
He and his wife, Mary, were known for their lavish lifestyle prior to their arrest on fraud and money laundering charges.
They were granted bail of 200,000 rand ($ 13,000) earlier this month on the condition that they confine themselves to the South African province of Gauteng.
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