The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has issued a stern warning about compromised witness safety following the Shepherd Bushiri case affidavit leaks amid legal proceedings. The leaked affidavit, containing confidential witness information, has raised significant concerns about case integrity and personal safety.
Witness Safety Is At Risk After Bushiri Case Affidavit Leaks
Phindi Mjonondwana, NPA spokesperson, emphasised the gravity of the situation:
“This unauthorized release of protected information not only threatens our legal strategy but more importantly endangers the life of a key witness. The published materials included identifying details that should never have been made public.”
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The compromised documents were part of standard evidentiary sharing with defense teams, a routine procedure in criminal cases that allows proper trial preparation while maintaining strict confidentiality protocols.
Background of the Bushiri Legal Proceedings
Shepherd Bushiri and his spouse Mary face serious criminal charges including multiple counts of fraud, rape allegations and violation of bail conditions.
The high-profile case dates back to 2020 when the couple initially appeared in South African courts before allegedly fleeing to Malawi while on bail. Their extradition process has drawn international attention and legal complexity.
Originally scheduled for October 2024, the trial faced multiple postponements due to defense motions. Mjonondwana confirmed:
“While various interlocutory applications were submitted, none succeeded in derailing the core proceedings. The prosecution remains fully prepared to present its case.”
Media Responsibility in Sensitive Legal Cases
The NPA has called for heightened media responsibility when covering the case, stressing the importance of balanced reporting that doesn’t compromise legal processes or witness safety.
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“We recognize press freedoms but must emphasize the human consequences of irresponsible reporting,” Mjonondwana stated.
The trial is now confirmed to begin on August 4, 2025, marking a critical moment in South Africa’s high-profile legal history.