SA official fired over fugitive pastor Bushiri

A South African official who approved permanent residence status to a controversial Malawian pastor Shepherd Bushiri has been dismissed.

The sacking came after a disciplinary process that took nearly a year.

Ronney Marhule was found guilty of misconduct and non-compliance with immigration laws for issuing permits to Mr Bushiri’s family that “they did not deserve”, the department of home affairs said.

“The outcome of this disciplinary hearing is taking us closer to ensuring that we bring to an end irregular practices and decisions by Home Affairs officials within the system,” Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is quoted as saying by local media.

The self-proclaimed "prophet" Bushiri and his wife Mary face fraud charges in South Africa, but fled the country to Malawi after being granted bail.

A warrant of arrest was issued and an extradition hearing against them has been ongoing in a Malawi court.

This article originally appeared in BBC News

Photo: AFP