The controversial and self-proclaimed prophet, Shepherd Bushiri, and his wife, Mary Bushiri,
appeared briefly in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday 29 August
2019.
Hundreds of their supporters gathered outside the building early in the morning, in anticipation
of their arrival.
The couple made a grand entrance in a black Range Rover, which was accompanied by a BMW,
as crowds cheered and sung, "Major 1, Major 1, Major 1".
Guards clad in black suits blocked the entrance, as the couple made their way into court.
Bushiri was dressed in a black suit, and wore a white shirt.
His wife wore jeans, and a pink top.
They appeared calm as they greeted pastors who accompanied them into the courtroom.
During the brief appearance, the State asked for the case to be postponed to 29 November
2019, because Bushiri's defence lawyer, would be making representations to the National
Prosecuting Authority.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, said the institution was
not aware of the contents of the representations.
"Most of the time, representations entail stuff like the defence stating that there
is an unfair prosecution, and for the decision to prosecute to be reviewed," she said.
Furthermore, Mjonondwane said details surrounding the representations would be communicated
once the National Prosecuting Authority received it.
The Magistrate, Mark van Wyk, extended the couple's bail conditions until their next
court appearance in November.
The Bushiris were arrested in February this year.
After spending five nights in jail, the couple was released on bail of R100,000 each, and
ordered not to contact any witnesses.
They were charged with alleged fraud and money laundering.
On Friday 01 February 2019, the couple were arrested by South Africa’s Directorate for
Priority Investigations, HAWKS, for alleged fraud and money laundering.
The HAWKS said that, the case against the couple was linked to alleged offences of fraud
and money laundering, as well as the contravention of South Africa’s Prevention of Organised
Crime Act, which had been committed in 2015.
The contravention of the Act was in relation to Exchange Control Regulations relating to
foreign currency of $1,147,200.
Last year, reports emerged that the Bushiris had been sending about R15 million per month
to Malawi, their home country.
The money was allegedly being transported in their private jet.
The followers of Shepherd Bushiri, who call themselves his spiritual sons and daughters,
gathered outside court to support the man they refer to as "papa" or "major one".
They said, his case was a manifestation intended to “hinder the speed of the execution of
God’s plan”.
One follower by name Stanley Lomasi, said he came all the way from Malawi, to support
the Bushiris.
“You can’t fight a prophet.
We are so happy, and we will continue to stand by the prophet”, Lomasi said.
After the postponement of the case to November, an organiser told the followers that the case
was “done”.
They erupted in praise and worship, singing “Victory belongs to Jesus”.
Sibusiso Mahlangu said, “I am feeling happy, I am a son of Major One.
We will support him no matter what”.
Dephney Maake said they believe in Bushiri’s innocence, because he “didn’t do anything.
They just accuse him for nothing.
We stand by him, wherever he goes, we will follow him.
Whoever fights Major One, we will fight them.
I believe in him, because he is my prophet,” she said.
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