The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has targeted Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s television network, Prophetic Channel, with a hefty tax bill amounting to over R100 million.
The Controversial Religious Leader
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, a figure of considerable controversy, rose to fame after releasing a video purportedly showing him walking in the air. However, his former public relations manager later claimed that these miracles were staged to attract media attention.
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Bushiri leads the Enlightened Christian Gathering, a non-denominational Christian ministry headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa. The church draws thousands of followers daily and promotes a Prophetic Ministry, emphasizing the belief that “God cares and loves people and wants to speak directly to them.”
Legal Troubles and Business Ventures
Bushiri’s business interests, under the umbrella of Shepherd Bushiri Investments, have faced numerous legal challenges. The company has been implicated in fraud and money laundering cases, leading to the seizure of various assets following the collapse of a ponzi scheme that defrauded pensioners.
Operating from Sandton, near Johannesburg, Bushiri’s company has also faced legal actions in the United States over fraud allegations. His diverse business interests span forex trading, real estate, the airline industry, and more. Additionally, Bushiri owns a television channel, a telecommunications firm, farms, properties, sports academies, and universities.
Meteoric Rise to Wealth
At 41, Bushiri has utilized innovative business strategies to amass substantial wealth, which he claims supports his community and global gospel outreach efforts. His rapid financial ascent is often described as meteoric, leveraging his business acumen across various sectors.