The extradition case of popular Malawian Preacher Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary has reportedly commenced in Malawi, eNCA reports.
The Bushiris who are facing fraud charges in South Africa were out on bail when they skipped the country for their native country Malawi in November last year.
According to the publication, lawyers representing Bushiri had wanted the magistrate handling the case Chief resident magistrate Patrick Chirwa to rescue himself citing that there could be some bias in him handling the case. Chirwa reportedly refused to recuse himself on the case and the trial has officially begun.
According to the publication, Bushiri’s lawyers are arguing that the extradition request is not complete:
The Bushiris’ defence says the extradition request is incomplete as the South African government has apparently not provided documentary evidence or court records to show the advancement of the cases here.
Bushiri is facing a myriad of charges which include 8 counts of rape, money laundering and skipping bail. He has said he will go back to South Africa if he is guaranteed a fair trial.
More: eNCA