Prophet Bushiri released on R100 000 bail

Couple to remain in Gauteng, North West

CHARISMATIC leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, self-proclaimed Prophet Shepherd Bushiri was yesterday released on R100 000 bail, his spokesperson, Maynard Manyowa, said.

Bushiri and his wife, Mary, appeared before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court where they faced charges related to fraud and money laundering.

They had been behind bars since their arrest on Friday at their plush Sparkling Waters Resort in Rustenburg, North West.

Bail conditions included that the church leader and his wife remain in Gauteng and North West provinces.

The couple’s passports have been confiscated by the investigating officer.

Prominent defence advocate Barry Roux led the Bushiris’ appearance yesterday.

Bushiri’s attorney, Terrence Baloyi, confirmed Roux’s inclusion in the legal team.

Meanwhile, the State might this week approach the North Gauteng High Court for an order to preserve the many assets of the controversial couple. However, this will be done behind closed doors.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has already filed a preservation order in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

If this is

obtained,

it

will mean that Bushiri will not be able to touch his luxury cars, houses or a private jet, as these will be under the state’s care.

If convicted, the AFU can apply with the court for a forfeiture order – which will mean that these assets will land in the state’s coffers.

The head of the Pretoria Society for Advocates, Francois Botes SC, said the media would not have access to this application.

Applications this nature were brought on an basis – meaning the Bushiri camp would not know when it was heard or have a chance to defend it at this stage, he said.

This is to safeguard against disposing of the assets in the meantime.

They can fight the preservation order later.

Botes said applications of this nature were usually heard in chambers by either the deputy judge president or another senior judge.

Hawks national spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, revealed that the arrest related to a 2015 investigation and denied there was a personal vendetta against the controversial “prophet”.

Mulaudzi said Bushiri’s tribulations centred on the infringement of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

“We are making allegations that there is money that was used illegally during the transactions of some of the assets Mr and Mrs Bushiri have,” he said.

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