By Jones Gadama
Bishop Malani Mtonga, a prominent clergyman in Malawi, has appealed to the government to try Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi rather than extraditing him to South Africa to face trial.
Bishop Mtonga made the plea during a prayer meeting held in Blantyre, where he was joined by various groups of pastors and ministers.
The bishop argued that trying Prophet Bushiri in Malawi would ensure that he receives a fair trial and has access to adequate legal representation.
According to Bishop Mtonga, the Malawian constitution guarantees the right to a fair trial, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this right is upheld.
He also pointed out that Prophet Bushiri has been contributing to the development of Malawi through various charitable initiatives, and it is only fair that he be tried in the country he has been serving.
“We are not saying that Prophet Bushiri is innocent or guilty, but we are saying that he should be given a fair trial in Malawi,” Bishop Mtonga said.
He addes, “We believe that trying him in Malawi will ensure that justice is served, and it will also demonstrate the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
The prayer meeting was attended by various groups of pastors and ministers, including the Pastors Peace Makers Fraternity, Pastors Link Concerned Pastors, and Ministers Network.
The meeting was characterized by prayers, singing, and speeches, all of which emphasized the need for justice and fairness in the treatment of Prophet Bushiri.
Prophet Bushiri, who is the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church, has been at the center of controversy in recent months.
He and his wife, Mary, were arrested in South Africa last year on charges of money laundering and fraud.
However, they skipped bail and fled to Malawi, where they are currently residing.
The South African government has been seeking the extradition of Prophet Bushiri and his wife to face trial, but the Malawian government has yet to respond to the request.
Bishop Mtonga’s appeal is likely to add to the growing debate about whether Prophet Bushiri should be extradited to South Africa or tried in Malawi.
Bishop Mtonga’s plea to the government to try Prophet Bushiri in Malawi has highlighted the need for justice and fairness in the treatment of the controversial prophet.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed Bishop Mtonga’s appeal or succumb to pressure from the South African government to extradite Prophet Bushiri.
