Wanted Malawian 'pastor' flees South Africa

South Africa has issued an arrest warrant for the Southern African based Malawian self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri and his wife.

Media reports claimed that the Sheperd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, fled the country with Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera, who was visiting South Africa [File: Frennie Shivambu/Gallo images]

Bushiri and his wife fled Pretoria, South Africa, while on bail for their fraud and money laundering charges.

The millionaire couple, who are accused of stealing from their church, had to post $13,000 each for bail, under the condition they remain in the country.

But on Saturday, Bushiri announced that he left South Africa, for Malawi, because of threats made to his life.

The circumstances surrounding their escape is not clear at the moment. Local media is reporting that the couple fled the country on the same plane as Malawi's president, who was on an official two-day visit with his South African counterpart.

Malawian officials have denied the allegation saying they verified everyone on board the plane before departing.

South Africa's government said it had initiated a process to extradite the pair.

When asked if he would get involved in the matter, Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera said "He will leave it to state institutions to do their job.”

By: Niza Nondo