A court in Malawi has ruled that South African-based witnesses in the extradition case of Prophet Shepard Bushiri and Spouse Mary do not have to travel to Malawi.
Prophet Bushiri and his wife wanted the South African witnesses to be physically in court in Malawi to testify in the extradition case.
But in his ruling Chief Resident Magistrate, Madalitso Chimwaza, said that South African witnesses can testify from their country.
He said that the witnesses can give their depositions to a South African court which will be sent to Malawi to continue preliminary hearing.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Dr Steve Kayuni, said the Chief Resident Magistrate will refer her ruling to the High Court for an order to be sent to South African courts to hear the testimonies and send the same to Malawi if the high court will nod to Chimwaza’s application.
Chimwaza has since adjourned the matter to 90 days from now to pave way for the processes.
Earlier, defence lawyer, Wapona Kita, argued that the witnesses should still come to Malawi and testify physically as the law requires so, citing interest of Justice on both the State and defense.
Reacting to the ruling, Prophet Bushiri through his spokesperson Ephraim Nyondo said was happy with the ruling.
He said their satisfaction stems from the fact that they have always demanded the witnesses to physically appear and be examined before court regardless of where trial is taking place.
“In South Africa, we waited for over three years for these witnesses to physically appear and testify but they never did. We are happy because the courts have finally helped us to face the people that are accusing us,” Nyondo told Zodiak online
Shepherd Bushiri and his wife are facing fraud, theft, and money-laundering charges, relating to more than R100m. The couple fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail.
