Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, his wife Mary, and seven alleged accomplices are facing a staggering 350 charges, including fraud, money laundering, and racketeering, following years of investigation by the Hawks.
The South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has finally secured a trial date, setting the stage for a major legal battle that could expose the alleged inner workings of the Bushiri empire.
The trial, commencing on 21 October 2024 and expected to last until 22 November 2024, will see some of the accused, including an accountant, appear before the Pretoria High Court. Justice John Holland-Muter granted a separation of trial application, allocating a month for the hearing. The state intends to call at least 43 witnesses to testify. Should the trial not conclude within the allocated time, further dates have been reserved for the first quarter of 2025.
The indictment, obtained by City Press, details a complex web of alleged financial crimes involving at least R73 million. Senior state prosecutor Desire Rosenblatt alleges that between February 2017 and March 2019, the accused received or retained property derived from a pattern of racketeering, encompassing fraud and money laundering. Specific allegations include:
- Electronic transfers of money or cash deposits to the value of R73 726 610;
- Electronic transfers of money or cash deposits to the value of R200 000 into the FNB account of Shepherd Bushiri Investments;
- Electronic transfers of money or cash deposits to the value of R215 000 to GTT Wealth;
- Payment of R25 000 to Bushiri’s gym;
- A deposit of R1 000 000 for Bushiri’s Rolls-Royce; and
- A payment of R8 000 to the Bushiris’ daughter Raphaella.
The indictment highlights a particularly significant day, 1 April 2017, where at least R12 079 080.13 was allegedly moved in 21 transactions.
The indictment describes an alleged investment scheme, promoted under various names such as Shepherd Bushiri Trading Platform and SB Trading Platform Millionaires Club, leveraging Bushiri’s status as a self-proclaimed prophet and leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church.
The scheme, presented through seminars, meetings, and broadcasts on the Prophetic Channel, promised investors a doubling of their capital (minimum R100 000) within a month, with higher returns also offered. Investors were provided with a 15-page consortium agreement, despite the absence of registration as a deposit-taking institution or financial service provider. Some payments were reportedly made in cash at the ECG Church premises in Pretoria.
The alleged scheme extended beyond South Africa’s borders. The indictment alleges that Bushiri and his wife promoted the investment scheme at an ECG Church event and a conference in Dallas, Texas, in July 2017. Yumoke Oyedele and Peter Eshiett are named as agents responsible for collecting investments locally and in the US. Rising Estates (Pty) Ltd is alleged to have been used as a vehicle to launder the proceeds of these activities.
A financial analysis reportedly found no evidence of legitimate commodity investments or other investment products, indicating that investor funds were allegedly used for personal expenses and payments to related parties. Repayments to investors, if any, were allegedly funded from the proceeds of the unlawful activities.
The indictment offers insights into Bushiri’s lavish lifestyle, noting a single day where he withdrew nearly R10 million in cash. The R1 million deposit on his Rolls-Royce, registered under the Prophetic Channel, is highlighted, along with the subsequent sale of the vehicle and transfer of proceeds to Mathopo Attorneys for alleged investor repayments. The analysis also reveals that personal expenses, including hotel stays, rental payments, clothing, and gym fees, were allegedly paid using funds intended for investments.
The indictment is expected to be amended, potentially excluding offences linked to the Bushiris pending their extradition from Malawi. The state aims to demonstrate that the alleged Ponzi scheme extended to the US.
Justice Minister Thembisile Simelane recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the extradition of Bushiri and his wife, along with the Gupta brothers, highlighting the ongoing efforts through diplomatic and legal channels. Bushiri’s escape from South Africa in late 2020 while out on bail adds another layer of complexity to this already intricate case. The upcoming trial promises to be a significant legal event, with potentially far-reaching consequences.
