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During a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said they intend to send extradition documents to Malawi for the Bushiris within the next two weeks.
The leaders of the Enlightened Christian Church, Mary Bushiri and Shepherd Bushiri. Image: @ psbushiri / Twitter
CAPE TOWN / JOHANNESBURG – Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola is convinced that self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, will return to South Africa for trial.
During a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Lamola said they intend to send extradition documents to Malawi for the Bushiris within the next two weeks.
“We want these documents to be dispatched within the next two weeks because we understand the urgency of the matter and by submitting the documents we will be in contact with our colleagues in Malawi about the process.”
The couple fled South Africa for their home country last week after being granted bail of 200,000 rand each.
They are accused of fraud, theft and money laundering involving R102 million.
They surrendered to the Malawi authorities and appeared in a local Malawian court on Thursday, where they were released.
Lamola said the couple’s claim that they will not get a fair trial in South Africa is not true.
“They are guaranteed a fair trial in our country. Our processes have been tested over time. Our guarantee of a fair trial is not in dispute in the judicial system of our country, which has proven to be resistant and, furthermore, fair, free and without influence from anyone ”.
THE HOUSING SALE MAY OFFSET THE COST OF EXTRADITION
Meanwhile, the National Tax Authority said the Bushiri’s multi-million rand home could be auctioned, and the funds would be used to offset costs incurred during the couple’s extradition process.
The fugitives have confiscated the property after failing to appear in a Pretoria court this week.
The Bushiri have managed to hold onto their freedom in Malawi after the Lilongwe Magistrates Court ruled on Thursday that their arrest in that country was illegal.
However, the NPA said the ruling would not affect the couple’s corruption trial in South Africa.
The fugitives absconded in contravention of their bail conditions in South Africa, leading to the permanent confiscation of their R5.5 million mansion in Centurion.
Concerned that the couple’s extradition could damage South Africa’s treasury, NPA’s Sipho Ngwema technically said, the money from the auction for the luxury home could come in handy.
“Ultimately, that money goes to the state and the state will use it as it sees fit.”
The Bushiri maintain that they have done nothing wrong and want to clear their names.
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