Bushiri and his wife Mary fled SA in November 2020 while facing serious charges, including rape and fraud. They had been granted bail, but both absconded, leading to Bushiri being declared a fugitive.

Last month, a Malawi court ruled in favour of SA’s request for the extradition, but Bushiri and his wife were granted permission to appeal. The matter is now before Malawi's High Court, and Kubayi confirmed that they are awaiting the court's decision.

Speaking on the case, Kubayi noted that SA believes there is enough evidence for Bushiri to face trial in the country. "We have won the case through the NPA for his extradition. He still has charges to answer in SA. While the charges have been narrowed down to three, we strongly believe he needs to return and face justice," she explained.

The case has garnered additional attention after Floyd Shivambu, Secretary-General of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, visited Bushiri’s church in Malawi. This visit has sparked more debate about the ongoing extradition request.

Kubayi insisted that Bushiri must return to SA to answer the charges against him. “He must come back and face the charges. He was out on bail and fled from a court proceeding he should have attended,” she said.

--ChannelAfrica--