Bulawayo Bushiri fans say bail foreseen

Shepherd Bushiri’s followers in Bulawayo said his release on bail this week was the fulfilment of one of his prophecies.

“Those are trumped-up charges. The prophet, besides being a good man, has enemies all over. Christians always overcome these obstacles,” said a church member who asked not to be identified.

“We knew that this would come to pass when he prophesied about it last year. He has a gift from God.” The Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) has a large following in the city and rents a 5,000-seat auditorium in the industrial area of Belmont. It was opened in January 2017 by Bushiri’s wife, Mary.

Inside the ECG offices, there is a lifesize poster of Bushiri at the entrance. Products on sale include oil, water and copies of sermons by Bushiri.

Ndanisa Moyo, a manager at the church, directed all questions to the South African head office.