By Rahim Abdul
Self proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri has escalated his fight against online criticism by launching legal action in the United Kingdom, targeting Malawian musician Peter Sambo over alleged defamation on Facebook.
According to a statement released by Bushiri, the case has been filed in the High Court in London, marking a significant shift from local disputes to an international legal arena. The move signals Bushiri’s determination to pursue the matter beyond Malawi’s borders.
Bushiri is being represented in the UK by Batesi Bagonenge Attorneys Ltd, a law firm he has tasked with ensuring that legal measures are fully pursued. His legal team is expected to argue that Sambo’s social media posts have caused reputational harm.
In a further twist, Bushiri revealed that his lawyers have also been instructed to engage UK immigration authorities to scrutinize Sambo’s residency status. He claims that such scrutiny is necessary given the seriousness of the allegations.
Bushiri stated that UK law treats defamation as a serious matter, especially where an individual may pose reputational harm to others. He pointed out that Sambo is currently in the UK on a marriage visa, which typically lasts two and a half years, and suggested that any applications related to his stay would be closely examined.
The prophet emphasized that his actions are not meant to intimidate but to seek justice through proper legal channels. He insisted that he is exercising his rights as a citizen to protect his name and integrity.
The dispute stems from a series of Facebook posts by Sambo, which followed remarks Bushiri made in a video explaining the singer’s departure from the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church.
Bushiri also disclosed that he has instructed his lawyers to take action against Robert Chisambiro and others, accusing them of spreading false and damaging information about him online.
He specifically cited content shared on Facebook pages such as MANNA News Online, Ndizaulura and Nkhanga Zawona, claiming the publications have continued despite the matter already being before the courts.
The case is not entirely new, as it has previously been filed and is currently being heard, with those accused expected to present evidence supporting their claims.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case is shaping into a high profile test of how cross border defamation disputes involving social media will be handled under UK law, potentially setting a precedent for similar conflicts involving public figures.
