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The Minister for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi has expressed her unhappiness with Mr Floyd Shivambu, the Secretary General of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) for visiting fugitive Shepherd Bushiri.
Shivambu has come under fire for his latest stunt and gotten the country talking, and even divided his party as some stand with him. However, his visit to the self-proclaimed prophet not only taints the image of MKP but also undermines the law of the country, and is an insult to those who suffered at the hands of Bushiri.
Kubayi said in a statement that she has noted with grave concern the visit of Floyd Shivambu to a fugitive of justice in South Africa, who fled in 2020 after being granted bail while facing charges of fraud and rape amongst others.
The minister argues that MKP is a political party with a representation in parliament of South Africa and cannot be seen associating with the fugitives.
Bushiri left the country in a questionable manner, which is a direct violation of his bail conditions and prompted an official extradition request to the Malawian government. A Malawian court in March 2025, ruled in favour of South Africa granting the extradition request.
Mmamoloko Kubayi did not hold back her punches in condemning Shivambu’s action, calling it a blatant disrespect towards South Africa’s legal system; she further went on to say such actions by political leaders not only undermine the credibility of the judiciary, but also diminishes the gravity of the charges against Shepherd Bushiri, sending a dangerous message to the public and to the victims of crime.
“Mr Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability. 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,” said Minister Kubayi.
Kubayi has since urged all public representatives to work in partnership with law enforcement authorities to safeguard the country from those who violate the law.
She said the MKP, as members of parliament, they have a duty to uphold justice and respect the integrity of South Africa’s legal processes.
