The High Court in Pretoria has cleared the way for a long-delayed racketeering trial linked to controversial Malawian preacher Shepherd Bushiri and his church network. The ruling means Zambian businessman Willah Joseph Mudolo, his wife, their company and several co-accused will now face trial on charges connected to alleged organised financial crimes. South African prosecutors accuse the group of involvement in a complex network of racketeering, fraud and money laundering activities allegedly tied to business operations associated with Bushiri’s church empire. The case has faced repeated delays over the years due to legal challenges and procedural disputes, frustrating investigators seeking to move the matter forward. Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, remain central figures in the broader investigation after they controversially fled South Africa for Malawi in 2020 while out on bail. South African authorities have long sought their extradition to face multiple criminal charges, including fraud and money laundering allegations which the couple deny. The Pretoria court’s latest decision is expected to revive one of Southern Africa’s most closely watched financial crime cases, with prosecutors now preparing for trial proceedings against the accused.