Principle Resident Magistrate Viva Nyimba, yesterday ordered the unconditional release of Leader and founder of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary, on the grounds that their arrest was illegal.
Bushiri and his wife appeared before Lilongwe Magistrate Court after they handed themselves over to the Malawi’s law enforcers following an arrest warrant that was issued by International police (Interpol) from the South African government.
When delivering his ruling Magistrate Nyimba said the arrest of the couple was illegal and it did not follow proper procedures.
He then added that there was no warrant of arrest from court or authority from Minister hence his order to have the Bushiris out without condition in the interest of justice.
He further trashed the claims that the couple is a flight risk as such they would escape the country just as they did in South Africa where they did not comply with the bail conditions, in his remarks, Magistrate Nyimba said the two surrendered themselves hence there is no way they would escape the country.
Speaking after Bushiri and his wife said he is trusting the Constitution of Malawi that he will be protected as he is the citizen of this country adding that he came to Malawi to seek justice and he is optimistic that his desires will be accomplished.
When asked for his comment on the issue that his property in South Africa has been forfeited, Bushiri said his life is more important that the said property.
“My right to life is more important than any asset in this world.” Bushiri said.
While in South Africa, the youthful preacher has been raising concerns regarding his security claiming that people have tried to have him and his wife killed in South Africa hence the decision to leave the country.
He also alleged that in South Africa, he might have a fair trial saying that the police officers handling his case are the ones he has a case against.
