Bushiri’s to spend another weekend in custody as bail bid rolled over to Monday
Bail hearing involving South Africa-based Malawian prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary Bushiri has been postponed to Monday by the Pretoria Magistrates Court as the couple continue to remain on remand at Kgosi Mampuru prison.
The couple got arrested on October 20 and charged with fraud and money laundering.
The Magistrate presiding over the case Thandi Theledi said she could not, in any case, have made the ruling on Friday as the State opposed to the bail application for various grounds.
The court heard earlier from the State that, among other things, the Bushiris held diplomatic Malawian passports, that their status in South Africa was currently under investigations by Home Affairs, and that the pair misled the court about their “living arrangements” in South Africa.
“The statement that they live in a normal family setting in South Africa is not true,” the State argued. “The children travel to and from South Africa for school holidays – they are listed un schools in Malawi and their support structure is there.”
In addition, the State argued that the release of the Bushiri, who is head of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), could disturb public peace as members of the public were divided on the matter, and that it could lead to the intimidation of witnesses, who were known to the accused.
Bushiri – in a supplementary affidavit before the court – said that all his passports have been handed over and confirmed that he and his wife hold diplomatic passports from Malawi but it was also handed over to the Hawks investigative team.
“I deny that any offence was ever committed by me. I have no reasons to run away. I have no reason to evade my trial as I need to vindicate myself,” Bushiri is quoted as saying in his affidavit.
The Bushiri’s was arrested alongside Willah Mudolo and Zethu Mudolo. The State argued that Mudolo pose “a flight risk” as he attempted to flee the country on three occasions .
Adjourning the matter to Monday, the Magistrate said she is yet to go through all the affidavits and documents submitted for and against the bail application by the Bushiris and their co-accused.
However, the magistrate decision has riled some who have expressed their disgust arguing there could be a conspiracy against the ECG leader.
“We suspect foul play but are not going give up, victory belongs to Jesus. We have already heard in the spirit.
“Because words in the spirit are object, God will give our Prophet and Prophetess victory. We are standing with you our spiritual parents,” said one follower.
The arguments between parties will resume on Monday and thereafter a judgement will be handed down on the Bushiris’ bail application.
Bushiris spokesperson Ephraim Nyondo was not available for immediate comment.
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Atola nkhani a lu Malawi, pilizi chonde tachangamukani pang’ono – tapitani mu ma office a bomawa mukafusefuse kuti kodi diplomatic passport ikukambidwayi, anayitenga kuti? Anapeleka ndani? Komaso inapelekedwa pa chifukwa chani?
Chonde tadzukani atola nkhani.
There is something very important that not even andale or atolankhani akukambamba.kuli ziii corrupt malawians fools. WHERE DID BUSHIRI GET DIPMATIC PASSPORT? Lucius Banda can you reply me please? you are one of people who used to say papa…papa…papa my foot! tikamayankhula za bushiri you used to say amalawife ndi anthu akaduka.am going to make sure amalawi ayankhidwe.WHO GAVE HIM AND HIS WIFE DIPLOMAT PASSPORT THE RED ONE?
There are so many ways of making money and stealing is one but a very risky way to do it. The other one is to tongue twisting to fool the poor, the sick, the desperate and the stupid. That’s what the self proclaimed prophets do. Why are we having so many of them these days. Do a background check and you will be disappointed. Let’s not glorify them. They are conmen. Daylight robbers. South Africans are very stupid people and believe in magic and Bushiri found arable land there.
What are they charged with? Is it to do with asking tithe during lockdown, or walking in air or gold dust on women chest? Maybe the Angels who appeared in Church? Why are they in custody?
How many passports did these people have??? You cannot seek residency and run businesses as a Diplomatic holder! How did that happen??? ………these people were involved in some funky deals
ACB,please urgently investigate how Bushiri obtained a diplomatic passport in Malawi.
The rise and the fall of major One. Only God to judje
Enough of this crook on here.
why is state iddle on this case. chonchi amalawi angatipase ulemu kunja. every country just take malawians for grated because of our useless sleeping leaders. you see your citizen being victimised but you are just watching.
These are the effects of over trading. One cannot be a prophet, fraudster, money launderer, business man and expect everything to go on his way???????
It was just a matter of time for Bushiri, the man of God has been fooling himself big time and most of the times forgetting that he has a number of years ahead of him and even forgetting about his GOD.
Why cant’ you intervene for them? You blame the government for everything. As a matter of fact, Malawi was always respected outside until our so-called prophets started doing doing ungodly things outside in the name of God. All Malawians now are being treated like they are all crooks. Leave our government out of this.
jo galu wafa! what do you expect government to do fool? to support mbava?mungave bwanji inuyo mwabeledwa and mwapanga report ku police but nothing happening? asiyenini malamulo agwile ntchito.boma la malawi silisapota umbava
These are are the people that bring shame to Malawi, we do not have time for con men, fraudsters, false Prop[hets, money laundering bandits
Let him start preaching behind bars he has a massive congregation, let him perform his so called miracles. Their Time is up. Let him face his charges.
Let Justice Take its course
Warera ejere let him stay there with his con artists. Dont worry he will fly out through the iron bars.
Body language can tell, these people are stressed. They need to think carefully and reflect on their lives. Prison life is not for everyone. They need to repent and accept Jesus as their saviour. I might sound daft but they were taking themselves as Jesus or rather as saviours.