Bushiri’s church slapped with R87K fine
The church was further issued with a compliance notice that instructed them to stop the 'illegal activities' on the site.
Prophet Shepard Bushiri. Picture: Youtube
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s church, Enlightened Christian Gathering, has been fined R87 500 for the illegal construction of his 10 000-seater church. The construction reportedly started on a site in Midrand in December 2015 without consulting locals, who later complained to the Gauteng department of agriculture and rural development, reports Mail & Guardian.
Following the complaints, the department sent a team to inspect the site, who confirmed to the publication that the church had not submitted an environmental impact assessment or other environmental permissions required before the construction commenced.
The church was then issued with a compliance notice that instructed them to stop all “illegal activities” on the site. The construction would only begin after the church did all the required assessments and included public participation, provided that permission to build was granted.
The church reportedly opted for a loophole in a section 24G rectification environmental law and paid the fine.
However, the church is said to have applied for environmental permission for a different site, which will see a 35 000-seater church being built.
Also read: Millions later, still no church building – Bushiri congregants
