Bushiri
In a shocking twist to his ongoing legal saga, self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri has accused South Africa’s Hawks of attempting to solicit a bribe to make his fraud case vanish. The allegation comes just days after the Malawi High Court blocked his and his wife Mary’s extradition to South Africa, overturning a lower court’s ruling that had ordered their return to face charges of fraud, money laundering, and rape. Bushiri, who fled South Africa in 2020 while on bail, claims a Hawks officer named Captain Paul approached his team, hinting that General Sibaya – likely referring to suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya – could halt the case for “something” in return. This claim adds fuel to the fire amid broader corruption allegations against Sibiya from the Madlanga Commission, raising questions about integrity in South Africa’s law enforcement.
Bushiri’s Explosive Bribe Allegation
Bushiri made the claim in a public statement, recounting an alleged encounter with Hawks officials. “We were also visited by one of the police officers know as Captain Paul, who said that the general of the Hawks would stop our case if we would give him something. I remember some of my team members going to have a Meeting with General Sibaya,” he said.  The prophet did not specify the date or exact details of the meeting but implied it was an attempt to extort money to derail the investigation.
This accusation aligns with ongoing scrutiny of Sibiya, who has been implicated in separate bribery scandals. At the Madlanga Commission, testimony revealed Sibiya allegedly received up to R1 million monthly from cartel leader Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, including payments for personal expenses like his son’s wedding.  Sibiya, suspended since early 2025, denies wrongdoing, but Bushiri’s claim suggests a pattern of alleged corruption within the Hawks’ leadership.
Bushiri’s supporters have rallied behind him, viewing the alleged solicitation as further proof of persecution. Critics, however, see it as a deflection tactic amid his legal troubles. Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo dismissed similar past claims as baseless, but no official response to this specific allegation has been issued yet.
Malawi High Court Blocks Extradition
The bribe claim surfaced shortly after a major legal victory for the Bushiris. On 31 October 2025, the Malawi High Court in Lilongwe set aside a March 2025 magistrate’s order to extradite the couple to South Africa.      Justice Mzonde Mvula ruled that the lower court’s decision lacked proper reasoning and failed to uphold justice, stating: “The Magistrate lacked brevity to stand by the course of justice… We have completed what was omitted.”
This overturns the Chief Resident Magistrate’s committal order, which had found sufficient grounds for extradition based on South Africa’s request. The Bushiris’ legal team argued the process was flawed and that they faced unfair treatment in South Africa. The High Court’s per curiam decision dismisses the extradition, allowing the couple to remain in Malawi unless South Africa appeals to the Supreme Court.
South African authorities expressed disappointment, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) studying the judgment for possible next steps. “This underscores that no one is above the law,” an NPA spokesperson had said earlier about the magistrate’s ruling. Now, with the reversal, the case could drag on further.
Background on the Bushiri Case
Shepherd Bushiri, founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, and Mary Bushiri fled to Malawi in November 2020 after being granted bail in South Africa on charges of fraud, money laundering, and theft exceeding R100 million. Additional rape charges were added later. They claimed threats to their lives and bias in the South African justice system.
Malawi arrested them on an extradition warrant, but the process has been mired in appeals and delays. In March 2025, a Lilongwe magistrate ordered their return, citing sufficient evidence, but the High Court’s review has now nullified that.      The couple’s lawyer, Wapona Kita, called it a “landmark victory,” while Bushiri thanked God for the outcome.
Bushiri’s church claims millions of followers across Africa, known for alleged miracles and prophecies. Supporters see him as persecuted, while alleged victims in South Africa demand justice for financial losses.
Reactions and Implications
Bushiri’s bribe allegation has ignited debate, with his followers sharing messages of support online.
Political figures like NCC MP Fadiel Adams, who has targeted Sibiya in other corruption claims, may seize on this to push for probes. Sibiya, already facing Madlanga scrutiny over Matlala bribes, denies involvement.
The High Court’s ruling could strain SA-Malawi ties, but experts say an appeal is likely. For the Bushiris, it means continued freedom in Malawi, where they have rebuilt their lives and ministry.
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