Pretoria prophet accused of rape, money laundering
Church denies reports prophet was using an offshore account to move R15 million to Malawi each month.
A controversial city prophet is being investigated by the Hawks for rape and money laundering.
A spokesperson for Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), the church in question, however dismissed the charges.
Spokesperson Ephraim Nyondo said claims the church’s leader, “prophet” Shepherd Bushiri, has raped a woman from Pretoria and was using an offshore account to move R15 million to Malawi each month were “false”.
You made a mistake by conspiring against Major 1 (Prophet Shepherd Bushiri) as you were manufaturing charges of rape against the man of God. It was prophesied that you will be reshuffled for that and the prophesy was fullfilled last night.
— Omael (@ZephaniaMahlan2) February 27, 2018
Reports suggest that at least one Pretoria woman has laid a charge of rape against Bushiri but later withdrew it, claiming Bushiri’s enemies had coerced her into “concocting the case”.
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“Prophet Bushiri largely welcomes this inquest for it will put to rest the wild allegations that have been making the rounds, often promoted by some faceless group, who are bent on dragging the name of the church and the man of God in the mud,” Nyondo said.
…oh you call him a cult & always say Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is making money from our offerings right? Well, he's one of the official financers for the State (yes, the government of SOUTH AFRICA asks for money from him) – he will be awarded next week for this by the STATE!
— SNG (@Sanele_Gumede) February 11, 2018
Nyondo said ordinarily the church would refrain from commenting on such issues but in this case,” silence may no longer be golden”.
“The Hawks’ professionalism would help clear the air and set the records straight,” he said.
“Clearly, ECG, which is one of the fastest growing churches in the world has nothing to hide as it has operated under strict compliance to international best practice and commitment to the laws of the land.”
“A faceless group is uncomfortable with ECG’s contribution to the body of Christ, is aimed at slowing us down and our resolve to continue in the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ remains unshaken,” he said.
https://twitter.com/Tiyani_Shuga13/status/983067678825959424
Nyondo said another report was making the rounds, alleging that people were paid to fake so-called “miracles” by the prophet.
ALSO READ: Police warn public against “false prophets”
“The report, which is clearly a figment of the imagination of the authors, oscillated from an alleged investigation by the Hawks to claims by members of the church who said they were paid to fake miracles,” he said.
“Needless to say, this allegation falls flat when put to test, as it is the same old claim that is been rehashed.”
Nyondo said the church, located at the Pretoria showgrounds, attracts over 4 000 “foreign visitors” to South Africa each week.
Good Morning & Happy Sunday Twitter to everyone except for Crooked Shepherd Bushiri's brainwashed followers, you can go & get your good mornings from him while he scam you, he's somewhere here Pretoria at a place called Enlightened Christian Gathering Church PTY LTD.
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) January 14, 2018
“The direct and indirect contributions of these visitors to the South African economy cannot be overemphasised,” Nyondo claimed.
“We are committed to working with any government agency who so wish to look at our books.”
Yo there is trouble at Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Church in Pretoria West People is tired of this Bushiri Family that milk money out of the South Africans and get rich while the South Africans Struggle they strike to burn the church down
— Mohammed (@Fuckeff1) February 22, 2018
Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha confirmed they were investigating the so-called prophet.
“We are, however, not in a position to divulge any information as it would jeopardise the gains we have made in this regard as well as threatening the cooperation with potential witnesses,” he said.
Nyondo said the Hawks have yet to contact the church about the investigation.
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