Justice Department Slams Floyd Shivambu's Visit to Bushiri’s Church
Jane Molepo 
The South African Justice Department has publicly rebuked MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu for attending an Easter service at Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi, calling the visit a "blatant act of disrespect" to the country’s legal system.
Shivambu was present at the service on April 18, 2025, drawing outrage and raising questions about his alignment with individuals facing serious criminal allegations. Prophet Bushiri, a controversial religious figure, fled South Africa in 2020 while facing multiple charges including fraud, money laundering, and rape. He remains the subject of an ongoing extradition request submitted by South Africa to Malawian authorities.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi led the condemnation, warning that Shivambu’s actions risk undermining the integrity of South Africa’s judiciary. “By attending a service led by a fugitive from justice, Mr. Shivambu not only disrespects the legal processes of this country, but he also sends a troubling message to victims of crime,” she said in a statement.
Kubayi further emphasized that such actions diminish public trust in the rule of law and could be seen as trivializing the serious nature of the accusations against Bushiri.
In the wake of the backlash, the MK Party quickly distanced itself from Shivambu’s visit. A party spokesperson stated that Shivambu had undertaken the trip in a “personal capacity,” without the knowledge or endorsement of the party leadership. “We remain committed to justice, accountability, and ethical leadership,” the statement read.
The controversy has ignited a social media firestorm, with citizens and legal commentators alike condemning Shivambu for his association with a man labeled a fugitive from South African justice. Many have called his actions “an insult to law-abiding citizens” and accused him of undermining national efforts to fight corruption and crime.
As calls grow for Shivambu to formally explain his actions, the incident has highlighted the complex intersection of politics, religion, and accountability in South Africa’s public life.
