Malawian Pastors Hold Prayers, Advocate Local Trial for Bushiri Over Safety Concerns

MALAWI – A group of Malawian pastors from Pentecostal churches gathered in Blantyre to hold prayers, urging the government to stop the extradition of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife to South Africa.

The pastors expressed concern about the prophet’s safety, arguing that his life could be at risk if extradited and called for him to face trial within Malawi’s legal framework instead.

Leading the prayer event, Bishop Malani Mtonga emphasized that trying Bushiri in Malawi would ensure justice and adequate security.

He also highlighted Bushiri’s contributions to Malawi’s development, describing him as an important figure in various sectors.

According to reports by MBC Digital and Mibawa TV, the prayer session attracted support from groups including Pastors Peace Makers Fraternity, Pastors Link Concerned Pastors and Ministers Network.

Bushiri, a Malawian prophet and leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, is facing extradition to South Africa, where he is accused of various crimes, including fraud, money laundering and rape.

The South African government has been seeking Bushiri’s extradition since 2020, when he and his wife, Mary, skipped bail and fled to Malawi.