The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services in South Africa says it has served the Malawi government with an extradition request for leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering(ECG) Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary.
In a press statement released today, Friday, signed by Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice of that country, Chrispin Phiri, states that the extradition request of the Bushiris has been served to this country in line with the Southern Africa Development Community(SADC) article number six, as well as the article number 10 of Extradition agreement between Malawi and South Africa.
“The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services, confirms that the extradition request for Mr and Mrs Bushiri, has been duly served with Article 6 of SADC protocol on extradition as well Article 10 of Extradition agreement between the government of Malawi and Republic of South Africa entered interms of the Republic of South Africa Extradition Act no 67 of 1962, as amended. As previously indicated, the law provides for this extradition request to be submitted within 30 days, however this extradition request is been brought with in a period two weeks,” reads part of the statement.
The statement further adds that the request follows provisional arrest, which was sent through the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
Adds the statement: “The submission follows a request of a provisional arrest which was sent through the International Criminal Police Organisation(INTERPOL) in terms Article 10 of SADC protocol. We note that this has been appealed by the fugitives. We are closely monitoring the appeal processes by the Malawian authorities.”
The letter further states that the South African government is aware that the Malawi government is contesting the unconditional release of the Bushiris by the Principal Resident Magistrate court and that it is monitoring the appeal process.
Meanwhile, South African government said it hopes that Malawi will honour the Extradition request, taking into account the international obligations that Malawi has, being a SADC member.
The Bushiris fled the rainbow nation in last month November, citing their life was in danger and that they will not get fair trial in that rainbow nation, saying the investigators in the name of the Hawks are the same people who the Bushiris wanted to be prosecuted for demanding money amounting to R10,000 to have their case closed.
