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By Se-Anne Rall 
1 hour ago
Durban – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) criticized the Sunday Independent for an article detailing how Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, were “smuggled” out of our South Africa.
Dirco has demanded that the publication withdraw the article.
On Sunday, investigative journalist Piet Mahasha Rampedi reported that the couple received diplomatic passports with decoy names and underwent cosmetic facial changes before being smuggled out of South Africa on the plane chartered by Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera nearly two years ago. weeks.
Citing a number of sources, such as insiders in the government security group, including diplomatic and military intelligence sources, police officers and bureaucrats, the article described how the Bushiris were able to circumvent bail conditions and escape.
The article also said that the operation was planned by Malawian intelligence officials and carried out by its embassy in Pretoria.
Sources claimed that the Bushiris were driven home to Centurion in a Malawian embassy vehicle prior to a flight scheduled for 6 pm when Chakwera concluded his meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a statement posted on Dirco’s Facebook and Twitter pages, Dirco’s spokesman Clayson Monyela said they had taken note of the article.
“Minister (Naledi) Pandor believes that these matters should be the subject of a full and proper investigation by the responsible authorities rather than speculation bordering on irresponsible journalism,” he said.
Monyela added that Dirco was also seeking legal advice in this regard.
DIRCO officials work diligently and have the right to do so without having their reputation tarnished by anonymous sources lurking in the shadows.
It is concerning that the newspaper in question has not provided DIRCO with an opportunity to respond to these serious allegations.
– DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 22, 2020
Minister Pandor invites the newspaper to issue an immediate retraction of the totally false suggestion that she intervened in this matter. To that end, the Department will seek legal advice.
– DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 22, 2020
The Government continues to investigate this matter and is working closely with the Government of the Republic of Malawi to achieve a resolution to ensure that the law of the Republic of South Africa is respected.
Queries: Mr. Clayson Monyela, DIRCO Spokesperson, 082884 5974
– DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) November 22, 2020
The couple were arrested, along with two others, on charges of fraud and money laundering worth R102 million. They were released on bail. They have since lost their bail money, as well as their multi-million dollar Centurion home, which will soon be up for auction.
MESS
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