South Africa Pursues Extradition of Bushiri and Gupta Brothers

South Africa‘s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, confirms that the country is actively pursuing the extradition case against controversial figure Shepherd Bushiri through the existing extradition treaty.

Bushiri, a self-proclaimed prophet, had fled South Africa after being charged with fraud and money laundering, following his release on bail. Despite initially being arrested in Malawi, he was later released on bail there as well.

Last week, officials from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Justice Department were in Malawi to provide testimony in the case, which has now been postponed until May.

Lamola expressed confidence in the ongoing proceedings, stating that once the legal process is concluded and Bushiri is deemed extraditable by the magistrate, he will be brought back to South Africa to face charges.

Furthermore, Lamola highlighted the challenges faced in extraditing the Gupta brothers, Atul and Rajesh, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The brothers are wanted in South Africa for various charges related to State Capture, including fraud and money laundering.

Despite previous extradition requests, the UAE authorities have not cooperated thus far, prompting Lamola to seek clarification on the reasons for the rejection of South Africa’s extradition appeal.

The lack of cooperation from the UAE has hindered progress in the legal process, with efforts to engage with the NPA falling through due to unmet meetings and lack of communication.