Bushiri, wife both granted bail
The founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, Prophet Shepard Bushiri, and his wife Mary have been granted bail of R100 000 each by Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
The streets leading to the court were barricaded on Wednesday, as hundreds of the church’s congregants sang and chanted in support of the Malawian prophet.
The Bushiri's, who are being defended by well-know advocate Barry Roux, are facing charges related to fraud and money laundering.
The Bushiri's, who are being defended by well-know advocate Barry Roux, are facing charges related to fraud and money laundering.
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"They are released on conditions that they cannot travel outside Gauteng and North West. When they want to travel they will have to contact the investigating officer," says NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
Mjonondwane says the pair were also instructed to hand over their travel documents to the state.
They have also been warned not to interfere with witnesses.
Outside court, the ANC’s chairperson in Tshwane Kgosi Maepa said the party stands by Bushiri.
"The ANC met with the leadership of ECG at Luthuli House yesterday to say that our members attend this church and as the ANC we are here to support our people. Whether the charges are right or wrong we respect the principles of natural justice, that everyone is innocent until proven guilty."
Maepa says he was sent to represent the National Executive committee of the ruling party.
Controversial prophet Paseka Motsoeneg, known as Pastor Mboro, was also outside court, he encouraged ECG members to continue supporting the Bushiri's.
Outside court, the ANC’s chairperson in Tshwane Kgosi Maepa said the party stands by Bushiri.
"The ANC met with the leadership of ECG at Luthuli House yesterday to say that our members attend this church and as the ANC we are here to support our people. Whether the charges are right or wrong we respect the principles of natural justice, that everyone is innocent until proven guilty."
Maepa says he was sent to represent the National Executive committee of the ruling party.
Controversial prophet Paseka Motsoeneg, known as Pastor Mboro, was also outside court, he encouraged ECG members to continue supporting the Bushiri's.
The case will be back in court on May 10.