Cape Town – The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has come out strongly against uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu’s recent visit to self-proclaimed prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi, warning that such conduct undermines South Africa’s legal system and the fight against impunity.
In a statement, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi condemned Shivambu’s meeting with Bushiri — who fled South Africa in 2020 while facing multiple serious charges including fraud, rape, and money laundering — as “a blatant act of disrespect” toward the judiciary.
“The Bushiris’ unlawful departure from South Africa constituted a direct violation of their bail conditions and prompted an official extradition request to the Malawian government,” the ministry said.
TO: ALL MEDIA
ATTENTION :NEWS EDITORS/PR WIRE SERVICES
DATE : SATURDAY, 19 APRIL 2025MINISTRY CONDEMNS FLOYD SHIVAMBU’S ASSOCIATION WITH FUGITIVE SHEPHERD BUSHIRI
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has noted with grave concern the…
— The DoJ & CD (@DOJCD_ZA) April 20, 2025
In March 2025, a Malawian court approved the extradition of Bushiri and his wife to face justice in South Africa, though an appeal is pending.
Kubayi warned that Shivambu’s actions send the wrong message to the public and to victims of crime.
“Mr Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability,” she said.
“No one, regardless of status or position, is above the law. Political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, not fraternise with fugitives.”
The ministry further urged all public representatives to support law enforcement efforts and demonstrate a commitment to justice and accountability.
“As a party represented in the Parliament of South Africa, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has a duty to respect the integrity of our legal processes,” Kubayi added.
The condemnation follows a social media post by Shivambu during the Easter weekend, in which he praised Bushiri for his economic and social contributions in Malawi. Bushiri responded publicly, welcoming the visit and commending Shivambu’s “Pan-African ideals”.
Thank you my brother, Prophet Bushiri for hosting us and for the kind words. The government scale amount of work you do to economically, educationally, socially and spiritually uplift our people is unparalleled now and in history.
I know that the leadership and people of Malawi… https://t.co/A7x2SSHQWF
— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) April 19, 2025
Amid mounting criticism, the MK Party issued its own statement distancing itself from Shivambu’s visit. Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the trip was not sanctioned by the party and was undertaken in Shivambu’s personal capacity.
“The party wishes to make it unequivocally clear that this visit was not sanctioned, endorsed or initiated by the leadership or any official structure of the MK party,” Ndhlela said.
He added that the MK Party does not associate with fugitives and cited former president Jacob Zuma’s incarceration as an example of respecting the justice system—even under contested circumstances.
UMKHONTO WESIZWE PARTY DISTANCES ITSELF FROM SECRETARY GENERAL’S VISIT TO SHEPHERD BUSHIRI’S CHURCH pic.twitter.com/TuzmWml60C
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) April 19, 2025
“We remain firmly opposed to any association with individuals who are fugitives from justice,” Ndhlela said. “Our values are rooted in integrity, justice and accountability.”
As of Monday, Shivambu had not formally responded to the backlash from both the Ministry and his own party.
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Picture: X/@FloydShivambu
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
