Shepherd Bushiri

Shepherd Bushiri
ChurchEnlightened Christian Gathering, The Jesus Nation Church
Personal details
Born
Mzuzu, Malawi
NationalityMalawian
DenominationChristianity
ResidenceMalawi
SpouseMary Bushiri
OccupationProphet, Businessman
EducationMoyale Secondary School
Therapon University

Shepherd Bushiri (born 20 February 1983) also known as Major 1 is a Malawian preacher,[1] religious leader, businessman, and author.[2][3][4]

Bushiri runs a Christian non-denominational church known as the Enlightened Christian Gathering based in Malawi.[5][6] The church's first headquarters was in Chibanja, Mzuzu, where it originated. Later, the headquarters was moved to Lilongwe with branches in other African countries and around the world.[7][8]

Bushiri's investment company, Shepherd Bushiri Investments, has been implicated in several charges of fraud, and money laundering and a number of its assets have been seized by police after a Ponzi scheme it ran collapsed, and pensioners were defrauded.[9] The company was also sued in the United States of America and charges of fraud were laid.[10] The company is based in Sandton, near Johannesburg, with interests in forex trading, real estate and in the airline industry. He also owns a television channel, a telecommunications company, various farms, properties, sports academies and universities.[11][12][13]

Background

Early life

Bushiri was born and grew up in Mzuzu, which is in the northern part of Malawi and is a Tumbuka by tribe.[13] His mother gave him the name Shepherd due to the complexities around his birth, acknowledging the Lord as her Shepherd.[14][15]

In August 2018, he was invited as a guest of honour at South Africa's National Day of Inter-faith prayer held at the Emirates Airline Stadium in Johannesburg, during which he offered prayers of reconciliation and unity.[16] The event was attended by South African leading clergy and South Africa's Vice President David Mabuza.[17]

Given name controversy

Claims were made in The Citizen in February 2019 that Bushiri was born as Chipiliro Gama; "an invoice mistakenly sent to Baloyi Attorneys did not use the popular name Shepherd Bushiri, and instead called him Chipiliro Gama".[18]

In September 2019, Bushiri's spokesperson and communications director, Ephraim Nyondo, denied the allegations.[19]

Career

Bushiri is claimed to be one of the wealthiest pastors in the world and one of the most affluent people in Africa.[20]

He is mentored by multimillionaire businessman and leader of Good News Church in the UK, Prophet Uebert Angel.[21]

Enlightened Christian Gathering church

Main article: Enlightened Christian Gathering

Shepherd Bushiri Investments

Bushiri's company, Shepherd Bushiri Investments, is a controversial company that has been implicated in fraud,[22] money laundering,[23] tax evasion and ponzi schemes.[24] South African Police seized properties and bank accounts belonging to the company after discovering it had defrauded pensioners of $6 million USD.[25] The company claims to be an international investment company, based in Sandton near Johannesburg, with interests in oil, mining, real estate, transportation, and the hospitality industry.[26][27] On 20 February 2018, Bushiri launched one of his hotel investments, a multimillion-dollar property in South Africa.[28][29] The hotel is one of the properties seized by South African Police after Bushiri skipped bail and fled to his home country.[30] SBI has a special interest in supporting governments, including economies of fragile state countries. In 2017, Bushiri was hosted by the Vice President of South Sudan – Dr. James Igga, Reserve Bank Governor and Finance Minister, during which a business deal was signed in the area of infrastructure and development.[31][32] In 2018, Bushiri was given the prestigious award and induction into the CEO Hall of Fame by the African Leadership magazine.[33][34][35][36]

Charity work

Bushiri has been involved in many charitable works around the world, including work in Malawi, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Botswana, and South Africa.[37][38][39] He formed a humanitarian organization called "Shepherd Bushiri Foundation" with Duncan Zgambo as the CEO,[40] where he provides for the needy and less privileged.[37][39][41] In 2017, he took maize to Lilongwe and spent K85 Million in Malawi Charity.[42] He has invested in young people through his sports academy[43] and through Major 1 Records, which sponsors and show-cases up-and-coming music artists.[44] On 18 July 2018, Nelson Mandela Day, Bushiri launched an Africa-wide school adoption program with donations to a local school. The event was attended by Senior Government Officials from the South Africa Ministry of Education.[45]

In March 2019, Bushiri visited Alexandra in South Africa, where a fire had burnt over 100 shacks. He said that he would donate R400000 (equivalent to approx $29000) to emergency services "that should be used for the children in the area".[46]

Other

On 11 February 2020, it was reported by the Nyasa Times[47] and Malawi24[48] that Bushiri announced that he would be selling maize in Malawi at a price of MK5 000 (US$6.85) per 50  kg (110 lbs), or US$124.55 per ton. The international price for corn futures (yellow maize) at the time of the announcement was US$150 per ton[49] or US$7.50 per 50  kg. The local prices for maize sold commercially in Malawi were three to four times higher than that quoted by Bushiri, selling for as much as MK20 000 per 50  kg[47] According to various reports, thousands of people bought the cheap maize at various sites within Malawi.[50][51][52][53]

Controversies

Curing HIV/AIDS

Bushiri has made claims of "curing HIV". He countered that he has never performed a miracle in his life because only Jesus can.[54] Nevertheless, due to claims of unproven miracles, Botswana temporarily banned him from entering the country[55] before courts ruled the ECG church is allowed to continue operating in the country.[56][57] Initially he was free to enter the country at will,[58] but now is required to apply for a visa every time he wants to enter Botswana.[59]

Fees for public dinners

The alleged fees charged to attend some of Bushiri's prestigious public dinners have been applauded. It was speculated that he charged R25000 for a seat at his table at a gala dinner held on 23 December 2017 at the Pretoria Showground,[60][61] and N$1000 for entry to a dinner held in Windhoek, Namibia in January 2016.[62] Bushiri in several news interviews refuted the published extreme pricing claims for "so-called gala dinners", calling them "fabricated".[63]

Investment schemes

Allegedly, during a church service in March 2017, Bushiri announced that he wanted to make members of his church into millionaires. Congregants were then told via e-mail to invest at least R100 000 in cash with him within the next two days and were promised a 50% return within 30 banking days. Those that could not bring cash with them to the church were sent banking details of a company, Rising Estates, the directors of which are Bushiri lieutenants, Willah Mudolo, Duncan Oduor Otieno and Kit Ching Catherine Kum. Almost two years later, the people who gave Bushiri money claimed to have not received anything back.[64]

The investment scheme appears to be linked to Palambano Investments as six congregants from Bushiri's church claim they were told that the money they donated would be invested in Zambia in "gold minerals" as part of a Palamabo investment scheme. The congregants provided proof that the money had been paid into the ECG's First National Bank account. East London, Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Mluleki Mbi confirmed that a case had been opened against Palambano Investments and its directors in response to a complaint by Nombeko Dwesini, one of Bushiri's congregants.[65]

Paternity

It is alleged that in 2010, Bushiri impregnated a teenage Malawian woman, whom he met in 2007 in their hometown, Mzimba. It is further claimed that he bribed her with a cheque for 80000 Malawian kwacha (about R1500) to have an abortion but that the cheque bounced. The woman subsequently gave birth in 2011 to a girl who "is the spitting image of Bushiri and it is widely known in the district that he is the biological father", according to the father of the woman. The woman is now married and the family alleges that they "kept quiet out of fear". The village that the woman and child live in broke the news before the family approached Bushiri. Bushiri claims that the cheque was stolen from him and that, on the day the woman claims he made her pregnant, Bushiri was at a police station dealing with an attempted hijacking. In 2018, the mother again tried to get maintenance via the courts but was unsuccessful. Family members of the girl claim that Bushiri admits to the allegations in private, despite his public denials and have demanded a paternity test. His lawyer, Terrence Baloyi, did not respond to emails, text messages and calls from City Press seeking comment.[66]

Non-payment for clothing

Darlington Manyawu, a businessman based in Hong Kong, claims to have sold Bushiri clothing to the value of R450000 but had not received payment for them. He claims that the clothing was given to Bushiri's spokesman, Maynard Manyowa on 28 June 2019 and Bushiri has subsequently been seen wearing the clothes at public church gatherings. Ephraim Nyondo, the spokesman for the Enlightened Christian Gathering church, did not dispute the claim but stated that the matter did not concern Bushiri as it was between Manyawu and Manyowa.[67]

Radio Veritas

The South African Catholic radio station, Radio Veritas, was reprimanded by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) for airing a one-sided programme laced with allegations against Bushiri on 1 December 2019. Bushiri had claimed that the broadcast was "malicious, damaging to his reputation, libelous, contained lies, was unfounded" and did not afford him the right of reply. The BCCSA noted that Veritas Radio had contravened the broadcasting act in not presenting the opposing view from Bushiri.[68][69]

Alleged infidelity

On 20 February 2020, the former deputy finance minister of Zimbabwe, Terence Mukupe, accused Bushiri of an adulterous affair with Mukupe's musician wife, Rachel, which resulted in the impregnation of Rachel. He claimed to have WhatsApp evidence of his wife and the preacher arranging to meet for "sex romps in Malawi, Pretoria and Rustenburg". He also claimed that Bushiri had taken R100000 (approx $7500) from him to finance his church, Enlightened Christian Gathering.[70]

Bushiri responded to the allegations, saying that he had not left South Africa in the past 13 months and therefore could not have met with Rachel Mukupe. He also claimed that he had not used WhatsApp or iMessage for the past 3 years and hence could not have sent her the messages Terence Mukupe claimed to have found. Bushiri also said that he had engaged his lawyers in Zimbabwe to "urgently seek legal recours".[71][72][73]

Mukupe's response to Bushiri was that Bushiri had not used his own phone to contact Rachel and that Mukupe had paid for the tickets for Bushiri to travel.[70][71] According to reports, "Mukupe's public spat with Bushiri has divided opinion among ZANU–PF members over his psychological fitness to head the ZanuPF youth league."[74]

On 3 March, Rachel (known as Rachel J) responded to the allegations between Bushiri and Mukupe. In her statement, released via her family, it was stated that:

  1. She was not married to Terence Mukupe although the man did live in her home and she had had children with him.[75]
  2. She looked after him and his 10 children.[75]
  3. Rachel had terminated their relationship because she had discovered that Terence Mukupe had once again impregnated Tracy Winterboer, the second child sired with the same woman during Rachel's relationship with Mukupe.[75]
  4. The claims of her impregnation by Bushiri are unbelievable since Mukupe's evidence shows that they met in 2018. "How is it possible for her to carry a pregnancy for two years?" they asked.[75]

On 4 March, Rachel J's family demanded a paternity test be performed on the child to prove that he was not Bushiri's.[76]

On 6 March, Rachel gave birth to a daughter she referred to as "Najah, Deborah, Makomborero".[77] No paternity tests had been conducted at that point.

Rape and Sexual Assault

On March 21, 2021, South African Police charged Shepherd Bushiri with 16 counts of rape relating to 8 different victims.[78] At the time the police had already issued 3 warrants of arrests relating to three separate charges of rape against Bushiri[79] The police claimed that Bushiri targeted women and girls at his church.[80] According to police documents, the girls, including some as young as 15 and who were sisters were kept in hotel rooms and brutally raped for hours before being given between $500 and $700 and being asked to leave.[81] Police later announced they were investigating Bushiri's associates whom they accused of intimidating victims, and reported that several victims had come forward between 2016 and 2018 and accused Bushiri of rape before recanting their testimonies after being intimidated or paid off.[82] In December 2021, police arrested Brigadier Rosey Resondt’s husband, Clifford Cornelius Resondt, who was Bushiri’s head of security and charged them with corruption and defeating the ends of justice after Bushiri sent them R500,000 which was given to a rape victim who later recanted her allegations.[83]

Fraudulent permit

On 24 October 2020, South African Police revealed that Shepherd Bushiri's residency in the country may have been irregular after noticing that his South African issued identity card was issued in 1996 but Bushiri and his wife had first travelled to South Africa in 2010 on tourist visas.[84] The police later announced that Bushiri had paid for a fraudulent residency permit and deemed him an illegal immigrant.[85] After the announcement, 5 officials were suspended for having issued Bushiri fraudulent identity documents.[86]

Arrest

On 1 February 2019, Bushiri was arrested together with his wife by South Africa's Directorate for Priority Investigations (HAWKS) for fraud and money laundering.[87] The Hawks said 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 (POCA), which had been committed from 2015. The contravention of the Act was in relation to Exchange Control Regulations relating to foreign currency of $1147200.

On 28 August 2019, Bushiri's court case was postponed until 29 November 2019 to allow his legal team, including Terrence Baloyi and Barry Roux,[88] to make representations to the National Prosecuting Authority.[89] The case was subsequently postponed to 27 July 2020 for trial,[90] at which time it was postponed to October 2020.[91]

In November 2019, application was made by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for the forfeiture of a 1984 Gulfstream aircraft owned by Bushiri and hangared at Lanseria airport, north of Johannesburg. The NPA claimed that the aircraft had been procured with funds illegally obtained. Bushiri claimed that it was legitimately acquired in 2016 for $1250000 (R17000000). The application for forfeiture was not ready to go ahead and was removed from the court roll.[92]

Bushiri and his wife were each granted R100000 (approx $7500) bail after appearing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on 6 February 2019. Among the bail conditions were that the couple remain in Gauteng and their travel documents remain with the state. If they needed to travel, they would need to get written permission from investigating officers. Bushiri and wife were also not allowed to make contact with any of the witnesses.[93]

On 20 October 2020, prior to their court appearance on 30 October 2020, the Bushiris were arrested on charges which were not included in the previous cases. Conflicting reports implicated various combinations of Landiwe Sindani, Landiwe Ntokwana, Willah Mudolo and Zethu Mudolo in the fraud case as co-accused with the Bushiris.[94][95][96] The Bushiris are also accused of being illegally in South Africa and of having contravened the immigration regulations on several occasions since at least 2015.[95] Their bail application was set for 30 October.[97] The Bushiris had not been released from prison as they were considered a flight risk as evidenced by the allegations that they had illegally exported a Bentley and a Maserati to Malawi earlier in 2020.[98]

The trial date for the fraud case was set for May 2021.[99]

On 14 November 2020, reports surfaced that Bushiri and his wife had fled back to Malawi, breaking bail conditions due to fears for their safety.[100] On November 20, Bushiri and his wife, who were arrested in their native country on November 18,[101] were released from a Malawi prison after their arrest was deemed unprocedural.[102]

The following week, Bushiri and his wife were arrested again and arraigned before the court's where Malawi prosecutors sought to extradite them to South Africa. They were released on bail and their extradition case is ongoing.[103] In February 2022 the high court refused to throw out Bushiri's challenge of his extradition and instead sent the case to the Magistrate's court for ruling.[104]

Personal life

Bushiri was born to a Malawian father and a Zambian mother.[18] He is married to Mary Bushiri.[105] They have two daughters together.[105][106] On 29 March 2021, Bushiri announced the passing away of his first daughter Israella in Kenya after a lengthy respiratory illness, and stated that as a father it was his desire to see her grow and serve the Lord.[107][108]

References

  1. ^ "South Africa suspend officials over Prophet Bushiri mata". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  2. ^ NewWork (11 October 2017). "In conversation with one of Africa's biggest pastors - New African Magazine". New African Magazine. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  3. ^ "Bushiri finalises a $200mil deal with South Sudan for roads and mining - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi. 10 November 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  4. ^ Staff Writer. "ALM Business Excellence Awards and African Leadership CEOS HALL OF FAME". Hanergy Oil. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  5. ^ "God appeared to me in my dream – Prophet Bushiri | Lusaka Voice". www.lusakavoice.com. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  6. ^ "Bushiri promises K30m contribution towards construction of Area 43 Police Unit in Lilongwe - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  7. ^ Khumalo, Chomi (7 February 2018). "Malawi: Prophet Bushiri's ECG Ranks One of Fastest Growing Churches Globally". Nyasa Times (Leeds). Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  8. ^ "Enlightened Christian Gathering Archives - The Most Influential Contemporary African Diaspora Leaders". The Most Influential Contemporary African Diaspora Leaders. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  9. ^ Mashego, Abram. "'Robbed' from the pulpit: How Bushiri conned investors out of millions". Citypress. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  10. ^ "John Dzukey v. Shepherd Bushiri Investments (Pty) Ltd. et al: Complaint". OffshoreAlert. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  11. ^ "Malawi: Bushiri Investments in Dubai Mark First Anniversary - Gold, Oil and Gas Companies". Nyasa Times (Leeds). 13 January 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  12. ^ "Bushiri Investments in K15bn hotel project in Lilongwe - The Nation Online". The Nation Online. 22 February 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  13. ^ a b Fihlani, Pumza (5 March 2018). "Meeting the man who says he can walk on air". BBC News. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  14. ^ "Prophet Shepherd Bushiri". Voice of Dominion. 11 April 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  15. ^ "Prophet Bushiri comes to town". www.sundaynews.co.zw. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  16. ^ "South Africa govt, clergy embraces Bushiri: Prophet invited to speak at day of inter-faith prayers - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi. 18 August 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  17. ^ "Deputy President David Mabuza: Inter-Faith National Prayer Day | South African Government". www.gov.za. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  18. ^ a b "Social media goes wild over Bushiri's 'real' name". The Citizen. 7 February 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  19. ^ "Prophet Bushiri is not Chipiliro Gama says his spokesperson Nyondo". The Mararbi Post. 14 September 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  20. ^ "Most Affluent Families In Africa That You Probably Never Knew About". Africa.com. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  21. ^ "Famous South Africa-based Malawian prophet, Bushiri expected in Uganda". UG Christian News. 5 December 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  22. ^ Pensulo, Charles. "Who is Malawi's self-proclaimed 'prophet' Shepherd Bushiri?". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  23. ^ Slabbert, Antoinette. "Millions in pension funds in peril thanks to Bushiri". Citypress. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  24. ^ "South African pensioners could lose R100 million to Prophet Bushiri". Savanna News. 13 September 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  25. ^ "Bushiri's flock out of pocket after cash 'lost' in investment scheme". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  26. ^ "Bushiri is up for something bigger: The world must watch out! - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi. 19 June 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  27. ^ Mkandawire, Angela. "Lilongwe Asks Bushiri to Invest Back Home". Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  28. ^ "Bushiri sets to launch his multi-million dollar hotel in South Africa on his birthday Feb. 20 - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi. 15 February 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  29. ^ "Shepherd Bushiri launches "SB Hotels: Sparkling Waters and Spa" in SA - PICTURES – Nehanda Radio". Nehanda Radio. 22 February 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  30. ^ Mashego, Abram. "Bushiri empire crashes – state looks to seize assets including luxury cars, private jet". Citypress. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  31. ^ "Bushiri finalizes a $200mil deal with South Sudan for roads and mining - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi. 10 November 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  32. ^ "South Sudan: Prophet Bushiri Rallies South Sudanese Together - Prays for Their Peace, Unity". Nyasa Times (Leeds). 9 November 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  33. ^ "FORMER PRESIDENT OF MADAGASCAR, 25 CEOS RECEIVE AFRICAN LEADERSHIP AWARDS … INDUCTED INTO CEOS HALL OF FAME | African Leadership Magazine". africanleadership.co.uk. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  34. ^ "Bushiri gets inducted in 2018 Africa's CEO Hall of Fame: Receives bussines [sic] excellence award - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi. 26 February 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  35. ^ "ALM Business Excellence Awards and African Leadership CEOS HALL OF FAME – Hanergy Oil Ghana Ltd". www.hanergyoil.com. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  36. ^ "Liberia's Taa Wongbe Inducted into The African Leadership Magazine's CEO Hall of Fame | Liberian Observer". www.liberianobserver.com. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  37. ^ a b "Bushiri commended for helping the needy - The Nation Online". The Nation Online. 13 January 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  38. ^ "My charity works are not political— Shepherd Bushiri | The Times Group". www.times.mw. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  39. ^ a b "Prophet Bushiri globalises gospel, charity: Takes Central America's Island of Nicaragua by storm - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  40. ^ "Bushiri Foundation aids MP Bandawe's stalled humanitarian projects - News from Malawi about Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi. 21 October 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  41. ^ "Mandela Day: Prophet Bushiri launches R20 million charity in honour of struggle icon birthday". Khuluma Afrika. 19 July 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  42. ^ Staff Writer (13 February 2016). "Malawi: Bushiri Takes Maize Donation to Lilongwe - Prophet Spends K85 Million in Malawi Charity". All Africa. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  43. ^ Staff Writer. "Malawi/South Africa: Bushiri Academy of Sports Launched in SA - Malawian Prophet Wants to Develop Football Stars". All Africa. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  44. ^ Dr Praise, God Is Here, retrieved 11 September 2018
  45. ^ "Bushiri launches Africa-wide program on Mandela Day with K29 million worth donations to SA school | Malawi 24 - Malawi news". Malawi 24. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  46. ^ "BUSHIRI DONATES R400K TO ALEX RESIDENTS AFTER BLAZE | EWN - Eyewitness News". Malawi 24. 7 March 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  47. ^ a b Khumalo, Chomi (11 February 2020). "Bushiri shocks Malawians: Moves to sale maize at K5 000 per 50kg". Malawi Nyasa Times. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  48. ^ Sapuli, Daniel (12 February 2020). "Game changer: Bushiri's miracle maize price shocks Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  49. ^ "Maize (corn) - Daily Price". IndexMundi. 12 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  50. ^ "Bushiri's cheap maize shakes Salima: Thousands scramble to buy - News from Malawi about Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  51. ^ "Dzuka Malawi singer Kalawe echoes academicians in hailing Bushiri over cheap maize sales - News from Malawi about Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  52. ^ "Chaos in Phalombe as scores buy Bushiri cheap maize: Chiefs pleads for more - News from Malawi about Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi. 25 February 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  53. ^ "Prophet Shepherd Bushiri rescues ED Mnangagwa". ZIM NEWS. 8 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  54. ^ Chawane, Gopolang (16 April 2018). "Bushiri: I've never performed a miracle in my life". The Citizen. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  55. ^ "'Miracle' pastor's church shut down". BBC News. 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  56. ^ "ECG Church To Continue Operating In Botswana". Botswana Youth Magazine. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  57. ^ "BREAKING NEWS: Botswana court stops Police from shutting down Prophet Bushiri's ECG church - The Maravi Post". The Maravi Post. 18 January 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  58. ^ "Botswana says Prophet Bushiri not prohibited immigrant: Free and welcome to enter country - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi. 14 July 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  59. ^ Bosaletswe, Calistus (25 February 2019). "Botswana shows Bushiri no mercy | City Press". News 24. City Press. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  60. ^ "Botswana shuts down Shepherd Bushiri's churches | IOL News". Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  61. ^ "Prophet Bushiri gala ticket prices cause social media outrage". News24. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  62. ^ "The non-believer's faith - I dined with prophet Shepherd Bushiri". The Namibian. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  63. ^ "Shepherd Bushiri Childhood Biography & Net Worth - Blogtify - Famous Celebrities, tmz.com". Blogtify - Famous Celebrities, tmz.com. 5 August 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  64. ^ Mashego, Abram (25 February 2019). "'Robbed' from the pulpit: How Bushiri conned investors out of millions". City Press. News24.com. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  65. ^ Fuzile, Bongani (10 February 2019). "Major One Bushiri 'duped us with gold scam'". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  66. ^ Makhoba, Ntombizodwa (11 March 2019). "Bushiri's hidden baby: Family says he tried to bribe woman to have abortion | City Press". News 24. City Press. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  67. ^ "'BUSHIRI OWES ME MONEY!". DailySun. 18 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  68. ^ "Prophet Bushiri wins case against Veritaas Radio of SA - News from Malawi about Malawi". Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi. 7 February 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  69. ^ "Bushiri welcomes BCCSA ruling against Catholic Radio station Veritas". Namibia Press Agency. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  70. ^ a b "Shepherd Bushiri took my R100k then slept with my wife: Mukupe". Zimbabwe News Now. 20 February 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  71. ^ a b Staff Reporter (20 February 2020). "Bushiri threatens to sue Mukupe over 'sex with wife' message". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  72. ^ "Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in trouble again: Accused of impregnating ex-Minister's wife - Malawi news". Malawi 24. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  73. ^ "Bushiri Denies Bedding Mukupe's Vulgar Singing Wife". ZimEye. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  74. ^ Staff Reporter (25 February 2020). "Battle for ZANU PF top youth league post heats up". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  75. ^ a b c d Ndoro, Timothy (3 March 2020). "Rachel J, Minister's Wife Allegedly Impregnated By Prophet Bushiri Speaks Out". iHarare News. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  76. ^ ""We're Confidently Waiting For Terence," New Twist To Mukupe, Shepherd Bushiri And Rachel J Adultery Case ⋆ Pindula News". Pindula ⋆ Simple & Latest Zimbabwe News. 4 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  77. ^ Ndoro, Timothy (10 March 2020). "PICS: Rachel J Gives Birth To Child 'Hubby' Claims Belongs To Prophet Bushiri". iHarare News. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
  78. ^ McCain, Compiled by Nicole. "Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri faces rape charges - report". News24. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  79. ^ "Three warrants of arrest issued against Prophet Bushiri for rape". Sunday World. 23 November 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  80. ^ "Shepherd Bushiri faces slew of new rape claims". The Mail & Guardian. 18 March 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  81. ^ "Shepherd Bushiri: Rape allegations and denials — what you need to know". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  82. ^ "Shepherd Bushiri accused of rape | eNCA". www.enca.com. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  83. ^ "Cop 'received R500k from Bushiri Ministries to make husband's rape charge go away' - LNN". Midrand Reporter. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  84. ^ "Bushiri's SA permanent residency in question | eNCA". www.enca.com. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  85. ^ "Bushiris are definitely in SA illegally - home affairs minister". News24. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  86. ^ makinana, andisiwe. "Five officials suspended for Bushiri's fraudulent permanent residency docs". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  87. ^ "Breaking: Shepherd Bushiri arrested in South Africa". Malawi24. 1 February 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  88. ^ Sicetsha, Andile (5 February 2019). "Pastor Bushiri recruits the services of Barry Roux in fraud case". The South African. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
  89. ^ Sicetsha, Andile (29 August 2019). "Shepherd Bushiri fraud case postponed: This is what we know". The South African. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
  90. ^ Jordaan, Nomahlubi (29 November 2019). "'Prophet' Bushiri to stand trial next year on fraud and money laundering charges". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
  91. ^ Maromo, Jonisayi (27 July 2020). "'Prophet' Bushiri and wife's fraud, money laundering trial postponed until October". IOL. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
  92. ^ "Prophet Shepherd Bushiri fights to keep $1.2m luxury jet - Pretoria News". IOL (in Indonesian). 30 November 2019. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  93. ^ Sesona Ngqakamba (6 February 2019). "Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife granted R100 000 bail". News 24. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  94. ^ Maromo, Jonisayi (21 October 2020). "Hawks arrest Shepherd Bushiri, wife over R100m fraud case". iol.co.za. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  95. ^ a b Molosankwe, Botho (25 October 2020). "Home Affairs trouble for Shepherd and Mary Bushiri". iol.co.za. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  96. ^ "Scores of Bushiri supporters gathered outside Pretoria's Magistrate Court". POWER 98.7. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  97. ^ kedsta (22 October 2020). "Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Wife To Get Bail Application". Kedsta. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  98. ^ "Bentley & Maserati shipped illegally to Malawi: state in Shepherd Bushiri bail bid". TimesLIVE. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  99. ^ "ECG Pastor Shepherd Bushiri and his wife are in South Africa illegally: Motsoaledi". SABC News. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  100. ^ "SHEPHERD & MARY BUSHIRI FLEE SA TO 'SAVE' THEIR LIVES', DEFYING BAIL CONDITIONS". Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  101. ^ Masina, Larneck (18 November 2020). "Malawian 'Prophet' Shepherd Bushiri Arrested After Fleeing South Africa". Voice of America. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
  102. ^ Masina, Larneck (20 November 2020). "Malawi Court Frees Preacher Bushiri After Deeming His Arrest Illegal". Voice of America. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
  103. ^ Maphanga, Canny. "Bushiri extradition: Case delayed by argument over SA witnesses". News24. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  104. ^ Maphanga, Canny. "Bushiri extradition case: Malawi High Court orders lower court to continue with committal proceedings". News24. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  105. ^ a b "BUSHIRI FOR BYO". www.sundaynews.co.zw. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  106. ^ "Shocking photos of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri (35) who now owns 4 private jets". The Zambian Observer. 1 July 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  107. ^ Tshikalange, Shonisani (29 March 2021). "Shepherd Bushiri's daughter, 8, dies". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  108. ^ "Israella Bushiri funeral: Photos from Prophet Shepherd Bushiri daughter burial as family wave final goodbye". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 11 July 2024.