Rebecca Malope claps back: 'I don't know Bushiri'
Rebecca Malope has distanced herself from 'false accusations' that she performed for fugitive Shepherd Bushiri.
This, after the wanted prophet posted a clip of her singing on stage beside him over the Easter weekend.
The clip comes after MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu visited Bushiri in Malawi, where the latter has sought refuge from South African authorities.
Over the weekend, Shepherd Bushiri posted a clip of gospel star Rebecca Malope on his X account. The criminally accused prophet suggested that the singer had visited his Easter weekend service at his Enlightened Christian Gathering Church in Lilongwe, Malawi.
In the clip, Malope and the controversial prophet were seen singing and dancing on stage.
However, Malope has rubbished the insinuation or affiliation to Bushiri.
She told Timeslive that the clip was taken during a concert performance in Malawi. The event was booked by a promoter and not Bushiri's church.
She said, 'When he entered, I heard the crowd make a lot of noise, and they said it's Bushiri.
'I had heard that he's a big fan, so when I was on stage, I saw him sitting in front. I could not ignore someone who came to my concert to support me, and I thanked him for his support. I was even amazed that he was there.
She continued: 'I have never been to his church in South Africa or in Malawi, I don't even know what it looks like. He's invited me so many times, but I always have my own excuse because I know where I stand with God.'
Rebecca Malope also clapped back at the public, who called for her music to be boycotted.
'People must stop insulting me now. I don't even know Bushiri. I don't care about people lying, but they must just not insult me.'
In 2020, Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary fled South Africa to their home country in Malawi, after the former was placed on bail. This is amid rape, fraud and money laundering charges following his arrest shortly before.
In Malawi, the prophet was arrested in response to an Interpol red notice. However, a court later ruled that his arrest was unlawful and he was arrested.
Last month, a Malawi court ruled in favour of a request to extradite Bushiri and his wife to SA, however the couple were granted permission to appeal. The case is now before Malawi's High Court, where a final decision will be made.
According to the South African Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, authorities have 'enough evidence for Bushiri to face trial in the country'.
She told the SABC: 'We have won the case through the NPA for his extradition. He still has charges to answer in SA. While the charges have been narrowed down to three, we strongly believe he needs to return and face justice'.
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