The South African police’s crime fighting unit the Hawks are said to be investigating claims that Prophet Shepherd Bushiri of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) is laundering up to R15 million every month through various businesses in Malawi.
According to South African media reports, the money is allegedly transported out of South Africa in Bushiri’s private jet and other vehicles.
It is also reported that the source of information is from within Bushiri’s own church as some leaders have come into the light to report the suspicious financial activities involving Bushiri.
Bushiri could not be reached for comment but Hawks spokesman, Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed they have launched a money laundering probe into the Major One.
“The matter has been brought to our attention. However, it is still in its infancy stage. It is against our policy to divulge information on any of our investigations,” said Mulaudzi.
According to reports in the Sunday World, several witnesses have come forward to accuse Bushiri of staging faking miracles and orchestrating fake testimonies in order to deceive his followers.
“…everything that happens in the church is planned. People are bought to testify, they are bought to act sick and crippled and later give testimony that they were healed by prophet Bushiri,” one witness said.
Last month, a group of Christians who gathered to march against rogue churches in Johannesburg were forced to withdraw placards criticizing Shepherd Bushiri due to a high court interdict prohibiting them from defaming the controversial prophet.
