By OBAKENG MAJE
22 April 2025- The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has noted with grave concern the recent visit by uMkhonto weSizwe Party leader, Floyd Shivambu, to Malawi, where he was seen in the company of Shepherd Bushiri, a fugitive who fled South Africa in 2020, while facing serious charges, including rape and fraud. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi said uMkhonto weSizwe Party is a political party represented in the Parliament of South Africa.
She further alleged that 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. Kubayi added that, in March 2025, a Malawian court ruled in favour of extraditing the couple to South Africa to face justice.
“So, we strongly condemn Shivambu’s conduct, describing his association with Bushiri as a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system. We caution that such behaviour by a political leader not only undermines the credibility of the judiciary, but also diminishes the gravity of the charges against Bushiri, sending a dangerous message to the public and to victims of crime.
“Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability. No one, regardless of status or position, is above the law,” she said.
Kubayi said political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, not fraternise with fugitives. She urges all public representatives to work in partnership with law enforcement authorities to safeguard the country from those who violate the law.
“As a party represented in the Parliament of South Africa, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party has a duty to uphold justice and respect the integrity of South Africa’s legal processes,” said Kubayi.
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: “We wish to categorically distance ourselves from the recent visit of our Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu to the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church led by self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.
“We wish to make it unequivocally clear that the visit was not sanctioned, endorsed or initiated by the leadership or any official structure of the MKP. Shivambu undertook this visit in his personal capacity and without the mandate of the party.”
Ndhlela said the uMkhonto weSizwe Party upholds the rule of law and maintains a zero tolerance stance on criminality in all its forms. He said when in an unprecedented case, former president Jacob Zuma, was sent to prison without a trial under Roman Dutch Law, he did not flee from justice, but was incarcerated and served his time, even though it was a miscarriage of justice and a violation of his human rights.
“We remain firmly opposed to any association with individuals who are fugitives from justice. Our values are rooted in integrity, justice and accountability and we reject any actions that comprise the reputation and ethical standing of our movement.
“Furthermore, the MKP strongly condemns all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the exploitation of vulnerable communities, especially innocent Christian believers, by individuals who manipulate faith for personal enrichment or to evade justice,” said Ndhlela.
He said their party stands with the victims of such exploitation and will never align itself with those who use religion as a shield to defraud, abuse or mislead the public. Ndhlela said they reiterate their commitment to ethical leadership and the principles of justice and they call on all members and representatives of the MKP to act in a manner that reflects the highest standards of responsibility and accountability
The Guardian 