Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri has defended his decision to flee South Africa, claiming it was the only way to protect himself from what he describes as sustained attempts by senior police officials to extort money from him.
Bushiri made the comments during an exclusive sit down with eNCA reporter Pule Letshwiti Jones in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Bushiri insisted he was justified in leaving South Africa, despite acknowledging that his escape from the country in 2020 was unlawful.
He claimed he had been targeted by police generals during his time in South Africa, and named former Hawks head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya among those he accused of attempting to solicit money from him.
“I had generals who were after me, trying to extort money from me,” Bushiri said.
Bushiri and his wife Mary fled the country while on bail for fraud and money laundering charges valued at R102 million.
Their departure triggered a diplomatic dispute between Pretoria and Lilongwe as South Africa pursued their extradition.
Earlier this month, the High Court of Malawi ruled against extraditing the couple, citing deficiencies in the evidence and procedural concerns.
During the interview, Bushiri reiterated that he viewed himself as a leader and a man of God.
“I am a man of God, I am a leader, and what was happening in South Africa was not justice,” he stressed.
He told eNCA that what he experienced in South Africa went beyond legal matters and amounted to persecution.
He said leaving South Africa was “the best thing” he could have done for himself.
Bushiri also addressed political visits linked to him.
He said former MK Party secretary general Floyd Shivambu had visited Malawi earlier this year but insisted the trip was not specifically to see him, adding that Shivambu had attended one of his church services while on other business.
Bushiri said his congregation in South Africa had grown since his departure.
He told the broadcaster that the membership of his rebranded Jesus Nation Church had risen to more than 2 million registered members, with branches operating in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town.
He argued that the growth of his church reflected continued support from followers who travel to Malawi for services.
Despite facing charges and remaining a fugitive from South African authorities, he maintained that his work continued uninterrupted.
The National Prosecuting Authority has not yet responded to Bushiri’s latest claims.
