THE extradition trial of Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi didn’t even reach day one as scheduled last week Monday, after the flashy pastor and his legal team attempted to get the presiding magistrate removed from overseeing the showdown in court. The hearing will determine if the defendant must return to South Africa, to face the full might of the law in that country.

Bushiri and his wife Mary were charged on multiple counts of fraud, linked to their property empire.

They swindled about R100 million from an elaborate money-laundering scheme.

The pair managed to make bail of R200 000 in October, and shortly after securing temporary freedom, they fled South Africa back home to their native Malawi. An impressive feat, considering both passports had been seized at this stage.

Bushiri’s rap sheet was then expanded to include counts of rape, following the testimonials of two alleged victims. The wheels have been turning slowly in this case, but it looks like the delay tactics are in full force.

The extradition hearing against the Bushiris was expected to begin in court in Malawi on last week Monday. However, the couple, through their lawyer Wapona Kita, launched an application for the recusal of Judge Patrick Chirwa. According to the defendants, Chirwa issued their warrant of arrest back in November.

The defendants say this means he won’t be impartial. It still remains unclear how exactly Bushiri was able to smuggle himself over the border, but the incident was deeply embarrassing for South African authorities. He took refuge in Malawi, but SA – looking to save a bit of face – got to work on forcing an extradition agreement through.

We’ve seen these ‘old tricks’ employed by Timothy Omotoso – another pastor who is facing serious legal charges. Omotoso is accused of rape and human trafficking, and he also launched a bid to get the presiding magistrate in his case recused.

It worked. His case has been in and out of court for the past few years, as a conviction looks a long way away. Bushiri is going down a similar path. Indeed, it’s important to understand what type of character we are dealing with here…

Bushiri is allegedly worth up to $150 million. The ‘pastor’ side of things merely seems to be an arm of his business operations, like his property empire and mine ownership. He has made millions out of selling hope and false prophecies to millions of his followers.