Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general of South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has faced criticism for visiting Shepherd Bushiri, a self-proclaimed pastor who fled to Malawi after being accused of rape and fraud.
Shivambu retweeted footage of him attending an Easter service at Bushiri’s church, sparking outrage.
The South African government has been trying to extradite Bushiri, who is accused of preying on poor people by selling merchandise claiming to have healing properties.
Bushiri and his wife have denied any wrongdoing, but a Malawian court recently backed the extradition request.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, condemned Shivambu’s association with Bushiri, saying it was “a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system.”
The MK party also distanced itself from Shivambu’s visit, stating it was done in his personal capacity.
Shivambu praised Bushiri for his “good work” and thanked him for hosting the visit.
