SA starts extradition procedure for 'fugitive' Malawian preacher

By Nomsa Maseko

The South African government says it has contacted Malawi to hand over controversial preacher, Shepherd Bushiri, and his wife, Mary, after the couple skipped bail.

They are facing fraud and money laundering charges in South Africa.

Mr Bushiri, the leader of the Enlightenment Christian Gathering Church, also known to his followers as Major 1, announced on Saturday that he had fled South Africa after receiving death threats. 

He refused to reveal to the BBC how they had got out, but it is thought that they were smuggled across the border by a syndicate that deals with stolen cars.

His escape sparked a diplomatic row between South Africa and Malawi.

The South African government has labelled the couple as fugitives who must be extradited to face justice. 

Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, who was on a state visit to South Africa last week, was accused of aiding Mr Bushiri’s escape - an allegation he has repeatedly denied.

The South African authorities have also confirmed that the Malawian millionaire preacher did not leave on President Chakwera's flight.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

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