‘We know who aided Bushiri escape’

Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed his department has the names of the officials who assisted fugitive and Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) leader Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary with passports to enable their escape from South Africa.

Speaking at a Q&A session in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Motsoaledi said the investigation into how the couple escaped was still ongoing – which meant the identities of the officials could not be disclosed yet.

Motsoaledi noted that the Hawks and military intelligence were helping the department with the investigation. “The Bushiri matter is [also] being investigated by a slew of parliamentary committees. The Hawks are involved; military intelligence is involved, as well as home affairs.

“I have reported many times that it was agreed that home affairs must not disclose any of the officials who were involved, until all these committees report and the portfolio committee on home affairs has decided to call all the other portfolio committees, so that this becomes a joint venture. That’s where we are.”

Last year, Motsoaledi said his department uncovered evidence that the Bushiris entered SA using visitors’ visas and conducted business with them, which meant the couple were in the country illegally. He said two notices served to the couple to explain details in their permanent residence applications had been “mysteriously” withdrawn. –