Court hears Bushiris in possession of ‘fake diplomatic passports’
Updated | By Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has heard that self-proclaimed Prophet Bushiri and his wife Mary are in possession of fraudulent diplomatic passport.
The couple, together with three co-accused, are facing charges of theft, fraud and money laundering linked to an investment scheme valued at R102 million.
The state has opposed their bail application, stating that it believes the Bushiris will evade trial by skipping the country.
Accused number one Willah Mudolo allegedly attempted to skip the country three times and was arrested earlier this month at OR Tambo international Airport while boarding a flight.
The state prosecutor, who cannot be named due to a court order, read an affidavit by the investigating officer on Friday.
According to the affidavit, the Bushiris make use of different passports to travel in and out of the country at least five times a month via Lanseria airport.
#Bushiri, his wife Mary and Landiwe Ntlokwana enter the courtroom.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) October 30, 2020
Accused 1 and 2, Willah and Zethu Mudolo have also arrived. We have are not allowed to show their images. pic.twitter.com/yHveL5tR3Y
The state also told the court Mary lied in her affidavit when she claimed the children live with her and her husband in a normal family setting.
The state said the children live and attend school on Malawi and only occasionally visit South Africa.
According to the state’s evidence, the Bushiris have allegedly interfered with previous cases by intimidating and bribing with witnesses, paying up to R500 000 for cases to be withdrawn.
#Bushiri The IO says the accused are facing charges of theft, money laundering and fraud. The accused allegedly invited members of the ECG church to invest monies into "Prophet Bushiri investments" and they were promised a 50% return in 2 months.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) October 30, 2020
This includes a rape case against the self-proclaimed prophet.
The investigating officer said he has found several personal and business accounts owned by the Bushiri's which the state believes are used as fronts for money laundering.
#Bushiri ECG members have applied to picket on Francis Baard street in front of the court. pic.twitter.com/imbd6DhjTC
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) October 30, 2020
#Bushiri Members of the ECG church are now kneeling and praying outside court pic.twitter.com/h7bBHalOGo
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) October 30, 2020
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