UPDATE: BLF leader pledges support for Bushiri, wife
Andile Mngxitama claimed the charges against the couple were a “plot”.
Black First Land First (BLF) leader Andile Mngxitama has come out in support of embattled self-proclaimed “prophet” Shepherd Bushiri.
Shepherd is the leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, based at the Tshwane show grounds.
He appeared in the Pretoria commercial crimes court on Monday, with his wife Mary, in connection with charges of fraud, money laundering and contravention of the prevention of organised crime act charges.
ALSO READ: Bushiri, wife in court over alleged fraud and money laundering
They were remanded in custody, pending further investigations.
Mngxitama claimed the charges against the couple were a “plot”.
“We believe this is part of a conspiracy against the church and the ‘Major 1’ [as Bushiri is referred to by his followers].”
He said BLF stood with Bushiri as he faced “jealousy and fear from white churches”.
“Unfortunately, our courts allow themselves to be used as instruments of the destruction of black excellence,” Mngxitama said.
He slammed the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and warned the government about its “treatment towards black people”.
“The NPA is a tool for white monopoly capital to harass black people.
ALSO READ: NEWSFLASH: Three women ‘trampled to death’ at a Pta church event
“The NPA always harasses people like this. They make big claims, but their cases are thrown out of court – just like with the Estina dairy farm,” Mngxitama said.
Mngxitama questioned why the government was “doing this to the prophet and his wife”.
“It’s about demonising the Major 1 to destroy his base because he’s threatening white establishments,” he said.
He said Bushiri had accumulated his riches out of his “own efforts and blessings from his God”.
“We as BLF will stand with Major 1.”
Recently, three congregants lost their lives on the church premises in the west of Pretoria when a stampede broke out during a storm.
Another public figure who came out in support of Bushiri before the court appearance was self-proclaimed prophet Mboro of Incredible Happenings Ministries.
“I’m just here to give spiritual and moral support as one Christian brother to another,” he said at the time.
Mboro also encouraged church members to keep their faith.
“Keep praying, don’t lose focus and do not desert your father no matter what happens,” he said.
Speaking about whether or not he thought the charges against Bushiri and his wife would stick, Mboro said: “At the moment I don’t interfere with the work of the police.”
“I believe in the law,” Mboro said.
Bushiri and his wife are due back in court on Wednesday when they are expected to apply for bail.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Bushiri, wife remain in custody as supporters protest
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