17/06/2026
Fugitive Pastor Shepherd Bushiri Pledges 10 Buses After Broke Malawian Government Appealed for Donations to Bring Over 10,000 Citizens Home
Malawian-based pastor and fugitive from South Africa, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, has pledged to donate 10 buses to assist Malawians who wish to leave South Africa. The pledge comes after the Malawian government appealed for donations to support the repatriation of its citizens amid growing pressure on undocumented immigrants in the country.
The development follows a deadline set by civil groups and organisations, including E Chaile and March & March, which have been advocating for the deportation of illegal immigrants. March & March has reportedly given undocumented foreign nationals until 30 June to leave South Africa. In recent weeks, Ghana became the first country to repatriate its citizens, with 300 people returning home.
Nigeria has also facilitated the return of 260 of its citizens, while a further 500 Nigerians are expected to leave South Africa in the coming days. With the Malawian government recently making repatriation arrangements, Bushiri said he would assist the process by providing buses for Malawians who choose to return to their home country.
Bushiri, 46, said the experiences faced by Malawians in South Africa were similar to what he went through while living in the country. Known as Major 1, he led a large church in Pretoria for several years before being arrested on charges of money laundering and fraud. He later left South Africa in 2020 and returned to Malawi.