Former Hawks Boss Lebeya Calls for Bushiri’s Return to SA to Face Charges Amid Explosive Extortion Claims

Pretoria – Former Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya has urged self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri to come back to South Africa and prove his innocence in court, firmly denying any role in alleged extortion attempts. Lebeya stressed that he cannot make cases disappear and remains committed to ensuring Bushiri attends trial. This comes as Bushiri insists he fled the country in 2020 to escape threats and bribery demands from senior police officials, including claims of a R12 million shakedown involving Hawks officers. The ongoing saga, marked by fraud charges, a blocked extradition, and fresh accusations, highlights deep tensions between law enforcement and the controversial religious leader.

Bushiri, who now leads his church from Malawi, has protested his innocence, framing his escape as a bid for safety. Lebeya’s response keeps the spotlight on the need for justice, as South Africans watch a case that mixes faith, finance, and alleged foul play.

Bushiri’s Dramatic Flight and Serious Charges

Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary were arrested in November 2020 on charges of fraud and money laundering linked to R102 million. Additional accusations include rape, violating bail conditions, and breaking laws like the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, Banking Act, Civil Aviation Act, and Immigration Act. They were granted R200,000 bail each but skipped the country days later, heading to their home in Malawi.

Bushiri has always denied the claims, saying he left to avoid harm. In March 2025, a Malawian court ruled against his extradition to South Africa, citing safety risks and flaws in the process. This blocked South Africa’s efforts to bring him back for trial.

Adding to the mix, a Home Affairs official was fired in 2022 for gross negligence and dishonesty after granting permanent residency to Bushiri. This raised questions about how he got legal status amid the probes.

Bushiri’s Extortion Allegations Against Police Officials

Bushiri has made bold claims that senior SAPS and Hawks officials tried to extort money from him to drop the case. He says a man he believed was Hawks spokesperson Paul Ramoloko called him to a farm, promising a link to Lebeya. There, the deal was R2 million to make the charges go away.

In a church service on 1 November 2025, Bushiri went further, alleging four Hawks officers acting for Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya demanded R12 million. He says his team worked with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate in a sting to expose it. Bushiri shared this to show why he fled, claiming threats and corruption forced his hand.

These accusations paint a picture of misuse of power, with Bushiri saying officials wanted bribes to bury the fraud case.

Lebeya’s Strong Denial and Push for Court Appearance

Lebeya has flatly denied any contact with Bushiri or sending anyone on his behalf. He suggests Bushiri’s security guard, who allegedly set up the meeting, might have tricked him. “I cannot make cases go away,” Lebeya said. “I am the one who must ensure that I secure their attendance in court, which is what we have done with Bushiri,” he added.

Lebeya says he reached out to Ramoloko to get to the bottom of the claims but stands firm that he never authorised talks. He insists no cases against the Bushiris will vanish – they must face justice in South Africa to clear their names.

This back-and-forth shows Lebeya’s focus on due process, rejecting any hint of wrongdoing on his side.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Broader Impact

The Bushiris’ case has strained ties between South Africa and Malawi, with extradition fights dragging on. The Malawian ruling in March 2025 ended that path, but South Africa could appeal or find other ways.
Bushiri’s church, now called Jesus Nation Church, keeps a strong following in South Africa and beyond, with over two million members claimed. His flight and claims have split opinions – some see him as a victim of a setup, others as dodging justice.

For South Africa, this raises big questions about police integrity and how high-profile cases are handled. Lebeya’s time as Hawks boss from 2018 to 2024 saw big anti-corruption pushes, but claims like Bushiri’s test public trust.

As the story unfolds, calls grow for full probes into the extortion allegations. Whether Bushiri returns remains unclear, but Lebeya’s words keep the pressure on for him to face the music in court.

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