Malawi govt changes tune on Bushiri’s ‘Miracle Crossover’: Withdraws Bingu Stadium venue

After a statement circulated purportedly from Office of President and Cabinet announcing that President Lazarus Chakwera would preside over the ‘Miracle Night Crossover’ to be hosted by Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, government has since withdrawn the Bingu National Stadium as venue for the event.

The management of the facility said they have reconsidered dangers of hosting the event amidst Covid-19 prevention measures as the Bushiri event is seen to attract a lot of people from different countries.

Acting BNS manager Ambilike Mwaungulu, in a letter addressed to  Bushiri, advises that after further consultations with relevant authorities, they are not able to host the event.

He says despite communication that the number to attend will be reduced, the event was most likely going to attract people beyond even its capacity of the facility. Mwaungulu fears this was going to contravene the Covid-19 preventive measures.

“The stadium will be undergoing maintenance in preparation for CAF inspection which will happen in early January 2021.

“At the time of CAF inspection management may not have enough time to restore the stadium to its normal status due to anticipated damages and losses during your function,” reads the letter in part.

Spokesperson for the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church  Ephraim Nyondo confirmed of the cancellation in his online post.

“We confirm receipt of the letter from Bingu National Stadium management about the cancellation of hosting our Miracle Night Crossover on 31 December 2020.

“Our church administration is swiftly and with, necessary urgency and speed, acutely handling the matter and, therefore, we appeal for calm to all our members and followers under the circumstances. We shall keep you informed of any developments envisaged thereon.”

He said the church’s administration was taking necessary steps to address the situation.

In mid-November, Bushiri and his wife Mary escaped from South Africa mid-November where they are facing fraud and money-laundering charges. They jumped bail and made their way to Malawi.

The South African government has since applied to Malawi for extradition of the two. The matters are being contested in court.