$6.6m fraud: Millionaire pastor, Shepherd Bushiri flees South Africa

Shepherd Bushiri, a controversial millionaire pastor, has ran away from South Africa ahead his fraud trial.

Investigators in South Africa had claimed the cleric was involved $6.6m fraud.

Bushiri, who had previously declared that he wanted to clear his name of the allegations, has now returned to his native Malawi with his family.

Earlier this month, he and his wife, Mary, were released on bail after being charged with fraud and money laundering.

He said there had been attempts on his life and he accused the South African authorities of not offering protection.

Bushiri said his decision to skip bail as “a tactical withdrawal meant to preserve lives”.

The cleric reportedly fled on Malawi’s presidential jet with President Lazarus Chakwera, sparking fears of a diplomatic row between the two countries.