South African Correspondent
Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, are facing 350 charges, including fraud, money laundering, and racketeering, in a R73 million ponzi scam case.
The South African National Prosecuting Authority has secured a trial date, set to begin on October 21, 2024, and expected to last until November 22, 2024.
Bushiri, leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, and his wife allegedly ran an investment scheme promising investors a doubling of their capital within a month. The scheme, promoted through seminars and broadcasts, collected millions from investors, including R73,726,610 in electronic transfers and cash deposits.
Some of the alleged transactions include:
- Electronic Transfers: R200,000 into the FNB account of Shepherd Bushiri Investments
- Cash Deposits: R215,000 to GTT Wealth
- Personal Expenses: R25,000 to Bushiri’s gym and R1 million for his Rolls-Royce
- Family Payments: R8,000 to the Bushiris’ daughter Raphaella
The indictment reveals a complex web of financial crimes, with Bushiri and his wife accused of using investor funds for personal expenses and payments to related parties.
Justice Minister Thembisile Simelane has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the extradition of Bushiri and his wife from Malawi. The upcoming trial promises to be a significant legal event with far-reaching consequences.
Zim GBC News©2024