JOHANNESBURG - The justice department is pushing to extradite fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri and his wife face to fraud and rape charges.
However, legal expert June Marks says the process might drag.
The Bushiri's are back in the spotlight after MK Party Secretary General Floyd Shivambu visited their church in Malawi during the Easter long weekend.
The visit has since gotten public backlash.
According to Mark, the extradition process is at its early stages wherein the Bushiri's have lodged an appeal against the findings that they are extraditable.
In a statement on Saturday the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi slammed the Shivambu's visit.
In a statement on Saturday, Kubayi cautioned 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.
Additionally, she said it sends a dangerous message to the public and to victims of crime.
“Mr Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability,” said Minister Kubayi.
“No one, regardless of status or position, is above the law. Political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, not fraternise with fugitives," she said.