retweeted footage on X<\/a> of him attending an Easter service at Shepherd Bushiri’s church.<\/p>\nMr Bushiri, from Malawi, was one of southern Africa’s best known preachers when he was arrested and charged with fraud in 2020.<\/p>\n
After being released on bail, he managed to flee to his home country in unclear circumstances. South Africa has been trying to extradite him ever since.<\/p>\n
Last month, a court in Malawi backed the extradition request but Mr Bushiri and his wife Mary, who is facing fraud charges, have lodged an appeal.<\/p>\n
Mr Bushiri is a millionaire who set up churches in several African countries.<\/p>\n
He is accused of preying on poor people who were desperate to improve their lives by selling merchandise including “miracle oil”.<\/p>\n
The self-proclaimed prophet claims to have cured people of HIV, made the blind see, changed the fortunes of the impoverished and, on at least one occasion, walked on air.<\/p>\n
Mr Bushiri has also been charged with rape. He and his wife have denied any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n
South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi said Shivambu’s association with Mr Bushiri was “a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system”.<\/p>\n
She added that it would “embolden those who believe they can escape accountability”.<\/p>\n
Shivambu’s own MK party also released a statement to distance itself from his visit, saying he had undertaken it “in his personal capacity and without the mandate or knowledge of the party”.<\/p>\n
The party added that it “condemns all forms of gender-based violence and the exploitation of vulnerable communities, especially innocent Christian believers, by individuals who manipulate faith for personal enrichment or to evade justice”.<\/p>\n
In a post on X on Saturday, Shivambu praised Mr Bushiri for his “good work”.<\/p>\n
“Thank you my brother, Prophet Bushiri for hosting us and for the kind words,” he wrote.<\/p>\n
“The government scale amount of work you do to economically, educationally, socially and spiritually uplift our people is unparalleled now and in history.<\/p>\n
“I know that the leadership and people of Malawi appreciate and cherish the so many massive programmes you do for the people on the ground.”<\/p>\n
He reposted footage shared by Mr Bushiri which showed the self-proclaimed pastor ask hundreds of worshippers at his Jesus Nation church to welcome the South African politician.<\/p>\n
Under the leadership of former President Zuma, the newly formed MK party came third in last year’s elections – a major factor in the governing ANC losing its majority for the first time since democratic elections were introduced in 1994.<\/p>\n
Shivambu joined the party in August last year from the rival Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and was later appointed secretary-general – one of the party’s top positions.<\/p>\n