Chief Resident Magistrate Madalitso Khoswe Chimwaza has ruled in favor of the defense team in the extradition case of prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary, overruling the state’s objections to the defense’s cross-examination of the state witness.

Chimwaza stated that the questions posed by the defense are relevant to the preliminary inquiry of the extradition proceedings.

Lawyer for the Bushiris, Wapona Kita, said the verdict will allow them time to question witnesses about the offenses alleged against his clients.

The case has been adjourned to Friday, May 17, 2024, as the lead state prosecutor, Dzikondianthu Malunda, is reportedly ill.

This ruling marks a significant victory for the defense team.