Latest news with #Bushiri
The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Bushiri Likely to Avoid Extradition as Documents Go Missing in Malawi — Accountant Faces Perjury Claims
Sifiso Mahlangu | Updated 6 hours ago Controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri may never face justice in South Africa after key extradition documents mysteriously vanished in Malawi. The development has cast serious doubt over the upcoming September hearing, raising fears that the prophet — who fled the country while out on bail in 2020 — could permanently escape prosecution. At the same time, his former accountant, Landiwe Ntlokwana, is at the centre of a legal storm of her own. Once a trusted insider in Bushiri's financial operations, she now faces possible charges of perjury and defeating the ends of justice. South African authorities have been trying to extradite Bushiri and his wife Mary since they violated their bail conditions and escaped the country under murky circumstances. They face multiple charges, including fraud and money laundering. The extradition case was due to be heard in Lilongwe's High Court in September. But reports suggest the documents required to proceed with the case have gone missing from court files — a development some legal observers believe is no coincidence. Bushiri's lawyers have argued in court that the disappearance of the papers is not just a bureaucratic mishap but a deliberate obstruction that could halt the entire extradition process. Meanwhile, Bushiri has continued to enjoy warm relations with Malawi's political elite. He has received praise from senior government officials, including the Minister of Civic Education and National Unity, who also recently honoured Bushiri's wife for her 'positive role in national development.' While the extradition effort stalls, new controversy has erupted in South Africa involving Bushiri's former financial officer, Landiwe Ntlokwana. The 42-year-old chartered accountant was once closely involved in managing the finances of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church and Bushiri's now-infamous Commodities Trading Platform, which prosecutors allege was used to defraud investors of millions. Initially arrested alongside Bushiri in 2021, Ntlokwana maintained her innocence and kept a low profile for years. But in a sudden turn, she has now submitted an affidavit indicating she intends to cooperate with the prosecution. The detailed statement outlines how she joined Bushiri's organisation, believing in his mission, and became part of the administration team behind the church's financial schemes. The civil society group Right to Justice has called on prosecutors to formally charge Ntlokwana with perjury and obstruction. The group says her decision to come forward now — after remaining silent for four years — is both suspicious and potentially damaging to the integrity of the legal process. 'It is deeply concerning that she remained silent all this time,' said Siphesihle Jele, the group's chairperson. 'Now, she wants to flip the script. We believe she withheld crucial information, and only revealed it now when it suits her.' Jele added that if Ntlokwana is using her testimony as a way to escape prosecution while implicating others, she should be investigated thoroughly. Legal experts point out that under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, an accused person can be granted immunity if their testimony significantly contributes to a conviction. But Right to Justice argues that Ntlokwana's sudden cooperation could be a calculated move to avoid jail. Her credibility will now be under intense scrutiny. Prosecutors will need to weigh the value of her insider knowledge against the risk of relying on someone who, until recently, was also under criminal investigation. Meanwhile, Bushiri remains defiant. In recent social media posts, he dismissed his critics as 'jealous politicians' and claimed that his church had created thousands of jobs while uplifting the poor. With extradition efforts faltering and a key former insider now under fire, the case surrounding Bushiri continues to grow more complex and more political.
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Bushiri Likely to Avoid Extradition as Documents Go Missing in Malawi — Accountant Faces Perjury Claims
Controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri may never face justice in South Africa after key extradition documents mysteriously vanished in Malawi. Image: Dimpho Maja/Independent Media Controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri may never face justice in South Africa after key extradition documents mysteriously vanished in Malawi. The development has cast serious doubt over the upcoming September hearing, raising fears that the prophet — who fled the country while out on bail in 2020 — could permanently escape prosecution. At the same time, his former accountant, Landiwe Ntlokwana, is at the centre of a legal storm of her own. Once a trusted insider in Bushiri's financial operations, she now faces possible charges of perjury and defeating the ends of justice. South African authorities have been trying to extradite Bushiri and his wife Mary since they violated their bail conditions and escaped the country under murky circumstances. They face multiple charges, including fraud and money laundering. The extradition case was due to be heard in Lilongwe's High Court in September. But reports suggest the documents required to proceed with the case have gone missing from court files — a development some legal observers believe is no coincidence. Bushiri's lawyers have argued in court that the disappearance of the papers is not just a bureaucratic mishap but a deliberate obstruction that could halt the entire extradition process. Meanwhile, Bushiri has continued to enjoy warm relations with Malawi's political elite. He has received praise from senior government officials, including the Minister of Civic Education and National Unity, who also recently honoured Bushiri's wife for her 'positive role in national development.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ While the extradition effort stalls, new controversy has erupted in South Africa involving Bushiri's former financial officer, Landiwe Ntlokwana. The 42-year-old chartered accountant was once closely involved in managing the finances of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church and Bushiri's now-infamous Commodities Trading Platform, which prosecutors allege was used to defraud investors of millions. Initially arrested alongside Bushiri in 2021, Ntlokwana maintained her innocence and kept a low profile for years. But in a sudden turn, she has now submitted an affidavit indicating she intends to cooperate with the prosecution. The detailed statement outlines how she joined Bushiri's organisation, believing in his mission, and became part of the administration team behind the church's financial schemes. The civil society group Right to Justice has called on prosecutors to formally charge Ntlokwana with perjury and obstruction. The group says her decision to come forward now — after remaining silent for four years — is both suspicious and potentially damaging to the integrity of the legal process. 'It is deeply concerning that she remained silent all this time,' said Siphesihle Jele, the group's chairperson. 'Now, she wants to flip the script. We believe she withheld crucial information, and only revealed it now when it suits her.' Jele added that if Ntlokwana is using her testimony as a way to escape prosecution while implicating others, she should be investigated thoroughly. Legal experts point out that under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, an accused person can be granted immunity if their testimony significantly contributes to a conviction. But Right to Justice argues that Ntlokwana's sudden cooperation could be a calculated move to avoid jail. Her credibility will now be under intense scrutiny. Prosecutors will need to weigh the value of her insider knowledge against the risk of relying on someone who, until recently, was also under criminal investigation. Meanwhile, Bushiri remains defiant. In recent social media posts, he dismissed his critics as 'jealous politicians' and claimed that his church had created thousands of jobs while uplifting the poor. With extradition efforts faltering and a key former insider now under fire, the case surrounding Bushiri continues to grow more complex and more political.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Bushiri twist: NGO goes for accountant as she turns State witness
Sifiso Mahlangu | Published 2 hours ago The non-governmental organisation Right to Justice has called for perjury and obstruction of justice charges against Landiwe Ntlokwana, the accountant of controversial preacher Shepherd Bushiri, after the leak of her affidavit in the ongoing fraud case. Ntlokwana, initially one of the accused in the 2021 case, has since indicated a shift to state witness status, raising serious questions about the timing of her testimony and the integrity of the legal process. The NGO's concerns centre around the potential implications of Ntlokwana's sudden decision to cooperate with the prosecution after four years of silence. Right to Justice argues that this move could undermine the case and believes Ntlokwana should be investigated for perjury, given the inconsistencies and omissions within her affidavit. They assert that her actions may have been aimed at shielding *Bushiri* while implicating other co-accused.'It's deeply concerning that Ntlokwana has remained silent all this time,' said Siphesihle Jele, chairperson of Right to Justice. 'Now, she wants to flip the script, claiming to be a state witness when she could have spoken out years ago. We believe she is guilty of perjury and defeating the ends of justice by withholding crucial information and only revealing it now when it suits her.' The case in question involves allegations of financial misconduct and fraud, dating back to 2021, surrounding Bushiri's church and his Commodities Trading Platform. Ntlokwana's affidavit, which provides detailed accounts of her role, has caused an uproar due to the timing of its submission, as it comes after the prosecution has struggled to secure a conviction in the case. In the affidavit, Ntlokwana reveals that she was recruited by Bushiri to assist with the Commodities Project, noting that she believed in him as a prophet and was motivated by his promise of helping others. 'I believed that he was a prophet of God... I truly believed that he was going to help the people and myself the way that other businessmen had never done,' Ntlokwana states in the affidavit. She further explains that she was actively involved in the administration of the Commodities Trading Platform, admitting: 'I put my hand up to serve in the Administration Committee for the Commodities Trading Platform.' This admission has raised questions about her level of involvement in the operation and whether she was complicit in any illicit activities during her leak of the affidavit has also prompted allegations that Ntlokwana's decision to cooperate with the prosecution could be a strategic move to distance herself from potential criminal liability while helping the state strengthen its case. Under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, an accused person can turn state witness in exchange for immunity if their testimony is crucial in securing a conviction. However, Right to Justice argues that Ntlokwana's actions should be scrutinized, especially given the long delay in her cooperation. The NGO questions why she waited for four years to reveal what she now claims to know. They contend that this delay could be an attempt to obstruct justice by withholding critical evidence that could have led to earlier proceedings. 'If Ntlokwana was truly acting in the interest of justice, why didn't she speak up when the case began in 2021?' asked Jele. 'Her recent decision to turn state witness seems more like a tactic to exonerate herself while implicating others. This is a clear violation of the principles of fairness and transparency in legal proceedings.' Right to Justice insists that the authorities investigate whether Ntlokwana's actions constitute perjury and obstruction, and they are calling for her to be charged accordingly. The organization is also urging the prosecution to explain why it has allowed a previously accused individual to shift roles in such a significant manner and whether this could undermine the integrity of the entire case.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Bushiri twist: NGO goes for accountant as she turns State witness
In the affidavit, Ntlokwana reveals that she was recruited by Bushiri to assist with the Commodities Project, noting that she believed in him as a prophet and was motivated by his promise of helping others. Image: Picture: WIKUS DE WET. (Photo by WIKUS DE WET / AFP) The non-governmental organisation Right to Justice has called for perjury and obstruction of justice charges against Landiwe Ntlokwana, the accountant of controversial preacher Shepherd Bushiri, after the leak of her affidavit in the ongoing fraud case. Ntlokwana, initially one of the accused in the 2021 case, has since indicated a shift to state witness status, raising serious questions about the timing of her testimony and the integrity of the legal process. The NGO's concerns centre around the potential implications of Ntlokwana's sudden decision to cooperate with the prosecution after four years of silence. Right to Justice argues that this move could undermine the case and believes Ntlokwana should be investigated for perjury, given the inconsistencies and omissions within her affidavit. They assert that her actions may have been aimed at shielding *Bushiri* while implicating other co-accused.'It's deeply concerning that Ntlokwana has remained silent all this time,' said Siphesihle Jele, chairperson of Right to Justice. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Now, she wants to flip the script, claiming to be a state witness when she could have spoken out years ago. We believe she is guilty of perjury and defeating the ends of justice by withholding crucial information and only revealing it now when it suits her.' The case in question involves allegations of financial misconduct and fraud, dating back to 2021, surrounding Bushiri's church and his Commodities Trading Platform. Ntlokwana's affidavit, which provides detailed accounts of her role, has caused an uproar due to the timing of its submission, as it comes after the prosecution has struggled to secure a conviction in the case. In the affidavit, Ntlokwana reveals that she was recruited by Bushiri to assist with the Commodities Project, noting that she believed in him as a prophet and was motivated by his promise of helping others. 'I believed that he was a prophet of God... I truly believed that he was going to help the people and myself the way that other businessmen had never done,' Ntlokwana states in the affidavit. She further explains that she was actively involved in the administration of the Commodities Trading Platform, admitting: 'I put my hand up to serve in the Administration Committee for the Commodities Trading Platform.' This admission has raised questions about her level of involvement in the operation and whether she was complicit in any illicit activities during her leak of the affidavit has also prompted allegations that Ntlokwana's decision to cooperate with the prosecution could be a strategic move to distance herself from potential criminal liability while helping the state strengthen its case. Under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, an accused person can turn state witness in exchange for immunity if their testimony is crucial in securing a conviction. However, Right to Justice argues that Ntlokwana's actions should be scrutinized, especially given the long delay in her cooperation. The NGO questions why she waited for four years to reveal what she now claims to know. They contend that this delay could be an attempt to obstruct justice by withholding critical evidence that could have led to earlier proceedings. 'If Ntlokwana was truly acting in the interest of justice, why didn't she speak up when the case began in 2021?' asked Jele. 'Her recent decision to turn state witness seems more like a tactic to exonerate herself while implicating others. This is a clear violation of the principles of fairness and transparency in legal proceedings.' Right to Justice insists that the authorities investigate whether Ntlokwana's actions constitute perjury and obstruction, and they are calling for her to be charged accordingly. The organization is also urging the prosecution to explain why it has allowed a previously accused individual to shift roles in such a significant manner and whether this could undermine the integrity of the entire case.
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Lilongwe court set to rule on Sheperd Bushiri's extradition case in September
The High Court in Lilongwe will make its decision in the review application by controversial couple Shepherd and Mary Bushiri against their extradition to South Africa in September. Picture: Facebook In September, the High Court in Lilongwe will announce its ruling in the review application brought by controversial couple, Shepherd and Mary Bushiri pertaining to their extradition to South Africa. The self-proclaimed prophet took to Facebook on Thursday to announce that he was awaiting justice. "No matter how long the river may be, it has its end. We're waiting for justice, a fair trial, and safety, which we were deprived of in South Africa due to law enforcement corruption and... several assassination attempts we survived," he said. Bushiri and his wife violated their bail conditions when they fled the country in 2020. They face a string of charges, including rape, fraud and money laundering. In April, Bushiri criticised the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decision to sell his private jet, calling it 'not only unjust but also seems to be a clear case of persecution.' 'I am commenting on this matter because it was dismissed in Malawi courts — as the court already made its ruling. The recent announcement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa to sell my private jet has left me astonished, given the circumstances surrounding this decision,' Bushiri said in a long statement on Facebook. This follows a ruling by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, which reportedly granted the NPA permission to sell Bushiri's luxury jet, valued at R50 million. The sale is part of an ongoing legal battle tied to an investigation into alleged financial crimes. The court's decision was made after the NPA applied to liquidate the aircraft to recover assets linked to Bushiri's criminal case.
