Bushiri defence team 'shocked' at his escape
Lawyers representing self-proclaimed prophet Shepard Bushiri have expressed their shock at their client’s decision to flee to his native Malawi.
Bushiri, who is out on R200 000 bail in a fraud and money laundering case involving some R100 000, announced the weekend that he has crossed the border.
Bushiri and his wife Mary have cited safety concerns as one of the reasons for breaking their bail conditions.
His lawyer Terrance Baloyi says he was supposed to meet with the couple on Thursday.
“Like I indicated that we learnt on Thursday night. Had we known we would’ve simply told you that he left. Sorry to put that way but to put an emphasis is that we only became aware on Thursday night and other than that we were not aware.
“We were expecting to have a meeting with him. I remember on Thursday I was calling and calling, and we could not get hold of him because we were supposed to have had a meeting on Thursday. This is when later I have learnt that he is no longer in the country and I was shocked just like everybody else.
Baloyi says they will cooperate with the state as it launches an extradition process in a bid to bring the Bushiris back to South Africa.
“By all means, we are willing to co-operate with NPA and the authorities. It is our duty, as the defence team, to see to it that legal processes are adhered to and are done in accordance with the law. So, that is our job and that is what we intend on doing.”
