SA welcomes Bushiri extradition ruling while Gupta extradition remains uncertain
SA welcomes Bushiri extradition ruling while Gupta extradition remains uncertain! The South African government has welcomed a landmark ruling by a Malawi court ordering the extradition of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, to face criminal charges in South Africa. However, while progress has been made in bringing the Bushiris back, questions remain about the extradition of the Gupta brothers, who remain out of reach in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Bushiri Extradition Approved
On Wednesday, a Malawian court ruled that the Bushiris must be returned to South Africa, where they face multiple charges, including rape and violations of the Banking Act.
The couple fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail and resurfaced in Malawi, sparking a high-profile extradition battle that has dragged on for years.
The ruling is a victory for South African authorities, who have been working to bring the pair back to stand trial. However, there is still no official timeline for when the Bushiris will be handed over to South African law enforcement.
Gupta Brothers Remain Out of Reach
While the Bushiri case has seen progress, efforts to extradite the notorious Gupta brothers, Atul and Ajay, have stalled.
The Guptas fled South Africa amid mounting allegations of state capture and corruption. Their names were central in the State Capture Inquiry report compiled by former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Despite years of diplomatic efforts, South Africa has failed to secure their extradition from the UAE, where they have been living since leaving the country.
Legal and Diplomatic Challenges in Gupta Extradition
In 2023, South Africa’s extradition request was rejected by the UAE, citing technical legal reasons. This decision dealt a major blow to the government’s attempt to hold the Guptas accountable.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi explained that South Africa has faced challenges because no strong legal framework exists between the two countries to facilitate the extradition.
“We do not have the mutual legal instrument between ourselves and the UAE. So, it was easy with Malawi because we have got an agreement in place. What I can assure you is that we will not give up on the case,” Kubayi stated.
Extradition Treaty Not Enough
In 2021, South Africa and the UAE ratified an extradition treaty, which was expected to make it easier to bring fugitives to justice. However, despite this agreement, the Guptas remain in the UAE, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the treaty.
Critics argue that the failure to extradite the Guptas raises questions about diplomatic relations between the two nations. There have been calls for the government to increase pressure on UAE authorities and use all legal avenues available.
Will the Guptas Ever Face Justice?
The South African government has vowed to continue its pursuit of justice against the Guptas. However, the lack of cooperation from the UAE has led many to question whether the brothers will ever be brought back to answer for their alleged crimes.
With the extradition of Bushiri now moving forward, the spotlight remains on the Guptas. Many South Africans are frustrated that while some fugitives are being held accountable, others seem to evade justice with ease.
For now, while the Bushiri case marks progress, the fight to bring the Guptas back continues—with no clear resolution in sight.
