Malawi civil rights groups want guaranteed Bushiris’ safety from RSA Govt before extradition case

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights groups under the banner Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) and Forum For National Development (FND) are demanding answers from South Africa government on concerns raised against Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and wife Mary’s life safety before extradition case is concluded.

The civil rights groups observe that the extradition case must consider issues raised in 2018, including extortion, death threats, and conspiracy to have the Bushiri’s arrested for trumped-up charges.

Addressing news conference on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in the capital Lilongwe, the groupings want Malawi Court to consider the concerns while handling extradition case.

“Extradition case came before issues we raised have not yet been addressed. We need to protect our own citizens from any danger, including the Bushiris”.

“We want fair trial where South Africa government rescues their officers from the case who were behind Bushiris’ life threats in that country. RSA government must issue a guarantee with official inquiry or investigation on Prophet Bushiri’s life safety, justice, and fair trial, “urges HRCC Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba.

FND National Coordinator Fryson Chodzi added, “As far as we are concerned, the arrest of Prophet Bushiri and his wife came after years the allegations and complaint were lodged with South Africa government. We believe that RSA government had an opportune time to deal with the matter before affecting the arrest because some of the allegations border on the very same issues that we raised on trumped up charges.

“We have followed with keen interest the extradition court case against the Bushiris and we are contemplating our next course of action, be it join the ongoing the case as interested parties or other necessary action”.

The extradition case involving Prophet Bushiri and wife, Mary wasadjourned to July 10, 2023.

Magistrate Matilda Chimwaza made the adjournment on May 30, 2023 after the State asked the court to give them time to respond to an application by defence lawyer Wapona Kita who wants the entire extradition request dismissed.

Lloyd M’bwana

I’m a Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource (LUANAR)’s Environmental Science graduate (Malawi) and UK’s ICM Journalism and Media studies scholar. Also University of Malawi (UNIMA) Library Science Scholar. I have been The Malawi Country Manager and duty editor for the Maravi Post since 2019. My duty editor’s job is to ensure that the news is covered properly, that it is delivered on time, and that it is created to the standards set out in the editorial guidelines of the Maravi Post.