Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri has shared a video where he demands that the SA government issue an apology for his false arrest a few years ago.
Shepherd Bushiri and his spouse, Mary, find themselves entangled in a legal battle currently underway in a Malawian court.
“SA Government Allegedly Manipulated Evidence”
Self-proclaimed spiritual leader, Shepherd Bushiri, has leveled accusations of jealousy and xenophobia against the South African government. The Malawian native, who heads the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, alongside his wife, Mary, are facing extradition proceedings this week.
The South African authorities seek to bring the couple back to face charges related to fraud, racketeering, and money laundering, stemming from their flight in November 2020, subsequent to being granted bail. Advocate Sibongile Mnzinyathi, Director of Public Prosecutions, dispatched by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to Malawi, is currently undergoing cross-examination by the Bushiris’ legal representative, Wakona Pita. The interrogation revolves around the evidence she presented regarding the couple’s financial affairs.
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In an eight-minute video disseminated across his social media channels following the court proceedings at the Lilongwe Magistrates Court, Bushiri alleged that the South African government tampered with documents submitted by Mnzinyathi. “Yesterday’s courtroom events were disheartening. The South African witness presented tampered evidence. According to documents from KPMG, there were no transactions to either my or my wife’s bank accounts from the company accused of defrauding our congregation under the guise of forex trading,” he asserted. Additionally, he refuted claims of embezzling funds from church members, stating, “My wife and I retrieved over $5 million, approximately R90 million, to reimburse our members who fell victim to the fraudulent company. Nevertheless, the South African government unjustly incarcerated us, despite our lodging a criminal complaint against said entity.”
Accusations of Xenophobia and Envy
[VIDEO] Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has alleged that the South African Police Service (SAPS) demanded a bribe of R10 million from him and his wife, Mary. He also asserts that they were targeted due to being foreigners in South Africa and because their ministry was growing too big.… pic.twitter.com/0uAb3kj2hv
— Crime Watch Zimbabwe (@crimewatchzw) March 13, 2024
Bushiri further accused South Africans of harboring xenophobic sentiments and envying his prosperity. “Their actions were motivated by xenophobia. South Africans envied my burgeoning ministry,” he alleged. Furthermore, he accused law enforcement officials involved in the case of soliciting bribes. The self-proclaimed prophet disclosed that the police demanded a sum of R10 million under threat of arrest. “I refused to succumb to corruption. I uphold my integrity and adhere to my principles, trusting in divine intervention rather than legal maneuvering,” he asserted.
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Shepherd Bushiri’s Call for Apology
Bushiri asserted that he received threats from investigators, prompting his departure from South Africa. Despite the ordeal, he expressed forgiveness towards the South African government but demanded an apology. Failure to do so, he warned, would have lasting repercussions. “Was I targeted due to my religious vocation? Nevertheless, I extend forgiveness, anticipating a human response in the form of an apology to me and my spouse for the indignities we suffered. Failure to do so will forever stain the reputation of the South African government,” he concluded.
The court proceedings are ongoing.