The sacking came after a disciplinary process that took nearly a year.

Ronney Marhule was found guilty of misconduct and non-compliance with immigration laws for issuing permits to Mr Bushiri’s family that “they did not deserve”, the home affairs department said.

“The outcome of this disciplinary hearing is taking us closer to ensuring that we bring to an end irregular practices and decisions by home affairs officials within the system,” Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is quoted as saying by local media.

Bushiri, a self-proclaimed "prophet", and his wife Mary face fraud charges in South Africa, but fled the country to Malawi after being granted bail.

A warrant of arrest was issued and an extradition proceedings are ongoing in Malawi.