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Malawi High Court Quashes Bushiri Extradition Order as South Africa Weighs Next Steps

The judge ruled the earlier hearing was unfair, rendering South Africa's request defective.

Overview

  • The High Court in Lilongwe on Oct. 31 set aside the March 12 magistrate’s ruling that had cleared Shepherd and Mary Bushiri’s extradition to South Africa.
  • The judgment found the lower court relied on unauthenticated documents and hearsay and conducted a one‑sided process that denied the couple a fair hearing.
  • Justice Mzonde Mvula cited safety concerns, including a past bomb attack, and said the right to life outweighs availability to face trial.
  • Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said Pretoria is studying the ruling and will determine its legal response, with ongoing cooperation pledged with Malawi.
  • Following the decision, Bushiri accused Hawks officials of corruption, referencing a figure he called 'Sibiya,' while oversight bodies and prosecutors had not commented.