MK's Shivambu draws fire for visiting Bushiri in Malawi

JOHANNESBURG - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party's secretary-general Floyd Shivambu has taken to social media to thank Shepherd Bushiri for hosting him in Malawi.

His gratitude was in contrast to the backlash he's received from his party, the justice ministry and the public at large, who’ve all condemned him after a video of him attending a church service hosted by the self-proclaimed prophet went viral.

Despite widespread criticism of his visit to Bushiri's Enlightened Christian Gathering Church in Malawi, Shivambu has stood by his decision.

The MK Party secretary-general took to social media platform X to express support for Bushiri, including praising him for his alleged efforts in education and social development.

The MK Party has since distanced itself from Shivambu's decision to take the trip, saying it was not sanctioned or endorsed by the party.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has also weighed in, calling Shivambu’s visit a disregard for the South African legal system.

Bushiri and his wife, Mary, fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail after being charged with rape, fraud, and money laundering.