LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under the banner Malawi Civil Society Led Black Economic Empowerment Movement (MaBLEM) Taskforce has is deeply shocked and dismayed by the court’s decision to extradite Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, to South Africa to face charges.
MaBLEM observes that the ruling disregards the overwhelming evidence of persecution, threats, and attempts on their lives.
The grouping reaction comes hours after Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 ruled that Prophet Bushiri and his wife Mary must be sent back to South Africa to face their charges.
Bushiri is to face three rape charges, forgery ,fraud and jumping bail.
Mary also faces charges of fraud, forgery and bail-jumping.
But in press statement made available to The Maravi Post and signed by MaBLEM National Coordinator and Chairperson Fyson Chodzi and Robert Mkwezalamba respectively says, “By approving their extradition, the court has effectively sent them into grave danger, ignoring the serious risks they face.
“We firmly believe that the South African government has not been transparent in its dealings with the
Malawian courts”
MaBLEM observes further, “The charges against the Bushiris were largely fabricated, and as civil society organizations (CSOs) committed to protecting the rights of Malawian citizens, we have engaged the South African authorities to address these concerns.
“However, they have remained elusive and have failed to take action against individuals within their state apparatus who extorted Prophet Bushiri and even went as far as fabricating rape charges against him”.
The grouping adds, “While we uphold the principle that every individual is innocent until proven guilty, we strongly believe that the hostile environment in South Africa makes it impossible for the Bushiris to receive a fair trial. More alarmingly, we fear that they may not even live to see their day in court.
“We express our utmost disappointment that the Malawian courts have overlooked the imminent threats to the Bushiris’ lives and have instead focused solely on the allegations against them. This is unacceptable”.
MaBLEM appeals, “We call upon Prophet Bushiri’s legal team to challenge this ruling and explore all available legal avenues to prevent this injustice.
“We will mobilize Malawians to peacefully protest against this ruling and any subsequent court decisions that fail to prioritize the safety and fundamental rights of our fellow citizens”.
Concludes the statement, “It is time for Malawians to stand together and send a strong message to the world—we will not be bullied into submission, nor will we surrender our own to an unjust system”.
Meanwhile, the court has granted bail upon waiting for defence team appeal against extradition order.