There is never a dull moment in South Africa. During the month of January, citizens were glued to their televisions watching the state capture commission. The former Bosasa COO, Angelo Agrizzi, gave us the low-down on how Bosasa captured the state in order to get lucrative tenders from government.
In February our attention was shifted from the state capture to something else. The charismatic and controversial pastor, Prophet Sheperd Bushiri of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) captured our imagination. Bushiri (together with his wife) has been apprehended on allegations of fraud and money-laundering. Interestingly, Bushiri’s diehard supporters have threatened not to vote in the forthcoming elections if their Papa and Mama, as they are affectionately called, are not released from prison. They don’t want to know the reason why they are locked behind bars. This can only happen in South Africa.
There are media reports that Prophet Bushiri has been hounded out of certain African countries such as Botswana. These countries don’t agree with his practices, particularly the prosperity practice. Yet in South Africa he is tolerated. Additionally, his supporters worship the ground he walks on. He is like a demigod to them.
Since the ECG’s founder and lead pastor has been jailed, stories of how the self-styled preacher has duped believers for financial gain are tumbling out. It seems the preacher is nothing but a fraud, if the stories coming out are anything to go by. Yet he enjoys a large following here at home.
The jailing of Bushiri has attracted the attention of the nation and media. It would be advisable for the citizens not to interfere with the case so that the preacher can get fair treatment. The police should also be given space to their job without fear or favour. Let justice take its course.
