{{short description|Christian charismatic evangelical preacher from Malawi}} {{use dmy dates|date=December 2020}} {{Infobox Christian leader | type = | honorific_prefix = | name = Shepherd Bushiri | honorific_suffix = | title = | image = | image_size = | alt = | caption = | native_name_lang = | church = Enlightened Christian Gathering, The Jesus Nation Church | birth_date = | birth_place = Mzuzu, Malawi | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) --> | death_place = <!-- as birth_place --> | buried = <!-- or | tomb = --> | resting_place_coordinates = | nationality = Malawian | religion = Christianity | residence = Malawi | spouse = Mary Bushiri | occupation = Prophet, Businessman | profession = <!-- or | previous_post = --> | education = Moyale Secondary School<br/>Therapon University | signature = | signature_alt = }}
'''Shepherd Bushiri''' (born '''Chipiliro Gama''', 20 February 1983) also known as '''Major 1''' is a Malawian prophet, businessman, and author.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://newafricanmagazine.com/latest-and-current-affairs/current-posts/conversation-one-africas-biggest-pastors/|title=In conversation with one of Africa's biggest pastors - New African Magazine|last=NewWork|date=2017-10-11|work=New African Magazine|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/bushiri-finalises-200mil-deal-south-sudan-roads-mining/|title=Bushiri finalises a $200mil deal with South Sudan for roads and mining - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|date=2017-11-10|work=Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hanergyoil.com/general/alm-business-excellence-awards-and-african-leadership-ceos-hall-of-fame/|title=ALM Business Excellence Awards and African Leadership CEOS HALL OF FAME|last=Staff Writer|website=Hanergy Oil|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref>
Bushiri runs a Christian non-denominational church known as the Jesus Nation Church based in Malawi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lusakavoice.com/2015/09/13/god-appeared-to-me-in-my-dream-prophet-bushiri/|title=God appeared to me in my dream – Prophet Bushiri {{!}} Lusaka Voice|website=www.lusakavoice.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-08 |title=Bushiri promises K30m contribution towards construction of Area 43 Police Unit in Lilongwe - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/bushiri-promises-k30m-contribution-towards-construction-of-area-43-police-unit-in-lilongwe/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=www.nyasatimes.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> The church's first headquarters was in Chibanja, Mzuzu, where it originated. Later, the headquarters was moved to Lilongwe with branches in other African countries and around the world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201802070562.html|title=Malawi: Prophet Bushiri's ECG Ranks One of Fastest Growing Churches Globally|last=Khumalo|first=Chomi|date=2018-02-07|work=Nyasa Times (Leeds)|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://africandiasporaleaders.com/tag/enlightened-christian-gathering/|title=Enlightened Christian Gathering Archives - The Most Influential Contemporary African Diaspora Leaders|website=The Most Influential Contemporary African Diaspora Leaders|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref>
He owns a television channel, a telecommunications company, various farms, properties, sports academies and universities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201701130162.html|title=Malawi: Bushiri Investments in Dubai Mark First Anniversary - Gold, Oil and Gas Companies|date=2017-01-13|work=Nyasa Times (Leeds)|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mwnation.com/bushiri-investments-k15bn-hotel-project-lilongwe/|title=Bushiri Investments in K15bn hotel project in Lilongwe - The Nation Online|date=2018-02-22|work=The Nation Online|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref name="Fihlani">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-43245126|title=Meeting the man who says he can walk on air|last=Fihlani|first=Pumza|date=2018-03-05|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref>
== Background ==
=== Early life === Bushiri was born and grew up in Mzuzu, which is in the northern part of Malawi and is a Ngoni by ethnicity from Ntcheu.<ref name="Fihlani"/> His mother allegedly gave him the name Shepherd due to the complexities around his birth, acknowledging the Lord as her Shepherd.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.voiceofdominion.com/2017/04/11/prophet-shepherd-bushiri/|title=Prophet Shepherd Bushiri|date=2017-04-11|work=Voice of Dominion|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/prophet-bushiri-comes-to-town/|title=Prophet Bushiri comes to town|website=www.sundaynews.co.zw|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref>
In August 2018, he was invited as a guest of honour at South Africa's National Day of Inter-faith prayer held at the Emirates Airline Stadium in Johannesburg, during which he offered prayers of reconciliation and unity.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/south-africa-govt-clergy-embraces-bushiri-prophet-invited-to-speak-at-day-of-inter-faith-prayers/|title=South Africa govt, clergy embraces Bushiri: Prophet invited to speak at day of inter-faith prayers - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|date=2018-08-18|work=Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref> The event was attended by South African leading clergy and South Africa's Vice President David Mabuza.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.za/speeches/deputy-president-david-mabuza-inter-faith-national-prayer-day-18-aug-2018-0000|title=Deputy President David Mabuza: Inter-Faith National Prayer Day {{!}} South African Government|website=www.gov.za|access-date=2018-09-10}}</ref>
==Career== ===Enlightened Christian Gathering church=== {{Main|Enlightened Christian Gathering}}
===Shepherd Bushiri Investments and controversies === Bushiri's company, Shepherd Bushiri Investments, is a controversial company that has been implicated in fraud,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pensulo |first=Charles |title=Who is Malawi's self-proclaimed 'prophet' Shepherd Bushiri? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2020/11/25/who-is-malawis-self-proclaimed-prophet-shepherd-bushiri |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref> money laundering,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slabbert |first=Antoinette |title=Millions in pension funds in peril thanks to Bushiri |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/millions-in-pension-funds-in-peril-thanks-to-prophet-20200913 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=Citypress |language=en-US}}</ref> tax evasion and ponzi schemes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-13 |title=South African pensioners could lose R100 million to Prophet Bushiri |url=https://savannanews.com/south-african-pensioners-could-lose-r100-million-to-prophet-bushiri/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=Savanna News |language=en-US}}</ref> South African Police seized properties and bank accounts belonging to the company after discovering it had defrauded pensioners of $6 million USD.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bushiri's flock out of pocket after cash 'lost' in investment scheme |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/news/2019-02-24-bushiris-flock-out-of-pocket-after-cash-lost-in-investment-scheme/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=TimesLIVE |language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/bushiri-is-up-for-something-bigger-the-world-must-watch-out/|title=Bushiri is up for something bigger: The world must watch out! - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|date=2018-06-19|work=Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://zodiakmalawi.com/business-news/lilongwe-asks-bushiri-to-invest-back-home|title=Lilongwe Asks Bushiri to Invest Back Home|last=Mkandawire|first=Angela|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref> On 20 February 2018, Bushiri launched one of his hotel investments property in South Africa which was seized by South African Police after Bushiri skipped bail and fled to his home country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mashego |first=Abram |title=Bushiri empire crashes – state looks to seize assets including luxury cars, private jet |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/News/bushiri-empire-crashes-state-looks-to-seize-assets-including-luxury-cars-private-jet-20190203 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=Citypress |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2018, Bushiri was given the prestigious award and induction into the CEO Hall of Fame by the ''African Leadership'' magazine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://africanleadership.co.uk/former-president-madagascar-25-ceos-receive-african-leadership-awards-inducted-ceos-hall-fame/|title=FORMER PRESIDENT OF MADAGASCAR, 25 CEOS RECEIVE AFRICAN LEADERSHIP AWARDS … INDUCTED INTO CEOS HALL OF FAME {{!}} African Leadership Magazine|website=africanleadership.co.uk|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/bushiri-gets-inducted-2018-africas-ceo-hall-fame-receives-bussines-excellence-award/|title=Bushiri gets inducted in 2018 Africa's CEO Hall of Fame: Receives {{as written|bussi|nes [sic]}} excellence award - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|date=2018-02-26|work=Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hanergyoil.com/general/alm-business-excellence-awards-and-african-leadership-ceos-hall-of-fame/|title=ALM Business Excellence Awards and African Leadership CEOS HALL OF FAME – Hanergy Oil Ghana Ltd|website=www.hanergyoil.com|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/liberias-taa-wongbe-inducted-into-the-african-leadership-magazines-ceo-hall-of-fame/|title=Liberia's Taa Wongbe Inducted into The African Leadership Magazine's CEO Hall of Fame {{!}} Liberian Observer|website=www.liberianobserver.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref>
===Charity work=== Bushiri has been involved in many charitable works around the world, including work in Malawi, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Botswana, and South Africa.<ref name="The Nation Online">{{Cite news|url=http://mwnation.com/bushiri-commended-for-helping-the-needy/|title=Bushiri commended for helping the needy - The Nation Online|date=2016-01-13|work=The Nation Online|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.times.mw/my-charity-works-are-not-political-shepherd-bushiri/|title=My charity works are not political— Shepherd Bushiri {{!}} The Times Group|website=www.times.mw|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref name="nyasatimes.com">{{Cite news |date=2017-06-02 |title=Prophet Bushiri globalises gospel, charity: Takes Central America's Island of Nicaragua by storm - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/prophet-bushiri-globalises-gospel-charity-takes-central-americas-island-nicaragua-storm/ |access-date=2018-09-11 |work=Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi}}</ref> In 2017, he took maize to Lilongwe and spent K85 Million in Malawi Charity.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201602151674.html|title=Malawi: Bushiri Takes Maize Donation to Lilongwe - Prophet Spends K85 Million in Malawi Charity|last=Staff Writer|date=13 February 2016|work=All Africa|access-date=9 September 2018}}</ref>
==Controversies== ===Curing HIV/AIDS=== Bushiri has made false claims of "curing HIV". He countered that he has never performed a miracle in his life because only Jesus can.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1897149/bushiri-ive-never-performed-a-miracle-in-my-life/|title=Bushiri: I've never performed a miracle in my life|last=Chawane|first=Gopolang|date=16 April 2018|work=The Citizen|access-date=9 September 2018}}</ref> Nevertheless, due to claims of unproven miracles, Botswana temporarily banned him from entering the country<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42634112|title='Miracle' pastor's church shut down|date=2018|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref> before courts ruled the ECG church is allowed to continue operating in the country.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.botswanayouth.com/ecg-church-to-continue-operating-in-botswana-2/|title=ECG Church To Continue Operating In Botswana|date=2018-03-20|work=Botswana Youth Magazine|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.maravipost.com/breaking-news-botswana-court-stops-police-shutting-prophet-bushiris-ecg-church/amp/|title=BREAKING NEWS: Botswana court stops Police from shutting down Prophet Bushiri's ECG church|date=2018-01-18|work=The Maravi Post|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref> Initially he was free to enter the country at will,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/botswana-says-prophet-bushiri-not-prohibited-immigrant-free-welcome-enter-country/|title=Botswana says Prophet Bushiri not prohibited immigrant: Free and welcome to enter country - Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|date=2017-07-14|work=Malawi Nyasa Times - Malawi breaking news in Malawi|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref> but now is required to apply for a visa every time he wants to enter Botswana.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bosaletswe |first=Calistus |title=Botswana shows Bushiri no mercy {{!}} City Press |url=https://city-press.news24.com/News/botswana-shows-bushiri-no-mercy-20190225 |access-date=19 March 2019 |agency=City Press |publisher=News 24 |date=25 February 2019}}</ref>
===Fees for public dinners=== The alleged fees charged to attend some of Bushiri's prestigious public dinners have been applauded. It was speculated that he charged R{{val|25000|fmt=gap}} for a seat at his table at a gala dinner held on 23 December 2017 at the Pretoria Showground,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/botswana-shuts-down-shepherd-bushiris-churches-12679596|title=Botswana shuts down Shepherd Bushiri's churches {{!}} IOL News|access-date=2018-09-11|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/prophet-bushiri-gala-ticket-prices-cause-social-media-outrage-20171212|title=Prophet Bushiri gala ticket prices cause social media outrage|work=News24|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref> and N${{val|1000|fmt=gap}} for entry to a dinner held in Windhoek, Namibia in January 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?page=archive-read&id=146834|title=The non-believer's faith - I dined with prophet Shepherd Bushiri|work=The Namibian|access-date=2018-09-11|language=en}}</ref> Bushiri in several news interviews refuted the published extreme pricing claims for "so-called gala dinners", calling them "fabricated".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blogtify.com/shepherd-bushiri-childhood-biography/|title=Shepherd Bushiri Childhood Biography & Net Worth - Blogtify - Famous Celebrities, tmz.com|date=2018-08-05|work=Blogtify - Famous Celebrities, tmz.com|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref>
===Paternity=== It is alleged that in 2010, Bushiri impregnated a teenage Malawian woman, whom he met in 2007 in their hometown, Mzimba. It is further claimed that he bribed her with a cheque for {{val|80000|fmt=gaps}} Malawian kwacha (about R{{val|1500|fmt=gaps}}) to have an abortion but that the cheque bounced. The woman subsequently gave birth in 2011 to a girl who "is the spitting image of Bushiri and it is widely known in the district that he is the biological father", according to the father of the woman. The woman is now married and the family alleges that they "kept quiet out of fear". The village that the woman and child live in broke the news before the family approached Bushiri. Bushiri claims that the cheque was stolen from him and that, on the day the woman claims he made her pregnant, Bushiri was at a police station dealing with an attempted hijacking. In 2018, the mother again tried to get maintenance via the courts but was unsuccessful. Family members of the girl claim that Bushiri admits to the allegations in private, despite his public denials and have demanded a paternity test. His lawyer, Terrence Baloyi, did not respond to emails, text messages and calls from ''City Press'' seeking comment.<ref>{{cite web |last=Makhoba |first=Ntombizodwa |title=Bushiri's hidden baby: Family says he tried to bribe woman to have abortion {{!}} City Press |url=https://city-press.news24.com/News/bushiris-hidden-baby-family-says-he-tried-to-bribe-woman-to-have-abortion-20190311 |website=News 24 |publisher=City Press |access-date=19 March 2019 |date=11 March 2019}}</ref>
===Non-payment for clothing=== In 2019, Darlington Manyawu, a businessman based in Hong Kong, claimed to have sold Bushiri clothing to the value of R{{val|450000|fmt=gaps}} but did not receive payment for them. He claimed that the clothing was given to Bushiri's spokesman, Maynard Manyowa on 28 June 2019 and Bushiri had subsequently been seen wearing the clothes at public church gatherings. Ephraim Nyondo, the spokesman for the Enlightened Christian Gathering church, did not dispute the claim but stated that the matter did not concern Bushiri as it was between Manyawu and Manyowa.<ref name="DailySun 2019">{{cite web | title='BUSHIRI OWES ME MONEY! | website=DailySun | date=18 October 2019 | url=https://www.dailysun.co.za/News/bushiri-owes-me-money-20191018 | access-date=20 October 2019}}</ref>
===Radio Veritas=== The South African Catholic radio station, Radio Veritas, was reprimanded by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) for airing a one-sided programme laced with allegations against Bushiri on 1 December 2019. Bushiri had claimed that the broadcast was "malicious, damaging to his reputation, libelous, contained lies, was unfounded" and did not afford him the right of reply. The BCCSA noted that Veritas Radio had contravened the broadcasting act in not presenting the opposing view from Bushiri.<ref name="NyasaTimes2020">{{cite web | title=Prophet Bushiri wins case against Veritaas Radio of SA - News from Malawi about Malawi | website=Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi | date=7 February 2020 | url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/prophet-bushiri-wins-case-against-veritaas-radio-of-sa/ | access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="NPA">{{cite web | title=Bushiri welcomes BCCSA ruling against Catholic Radio station Veritas | website=Namibia Press Agency | url=https://www.nampa.org/index.php?model=categories&function=display&id=19785973 | access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref>
===Alleged infidelity=== On 20 February 2020, the former deputy finance minister of Zimbabwe, Terence Mukupe, accused Bushiri of an adulterous affair with Mukupe's musician wife, Rachel, which resulted in the impregnation of Rachel. He claimed to have WhatsApp evidence of his wife and the preacher arranging to meet for "sex romps in Malawi, Pretoria and Rustenburg". He also claimed that Bushiri had taken R{{val|100000|fmt=gaps}} (approx ${{val|7500|fmt=gaps}}) from him to finance his church, Enlightened Christian Gathering.<ref name="Zimbabwe News Now 2020">{{cite web | title=Shepherd Bushiri took my R100k then slept with my wife: Mukupe | website=Zimbabwe News Now | date=20 February 2020 | url=https://www.zimlive.com/2020/02/20/shepherd-bushiri-took-my-r100k-then-slept-with-my-wife-mukupe/ | access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref>
Bushiri responded to the allegations, saying that he had not left South Africa in the past 13 months and therefore could not have met with Rachel Mukupe. He also claimed that he had not used WhatsApp or iMessage for the past 3 years and hence could not have sent her the messages Terence Mukupe claimed to have found. Bushiri also said that he had engaged his lawyers in Zimbabwe to "urgently seek legal recours".<ref name="eDuzeNet 2020">{{cite web | author=Staff Reporter | title=Bushiri threatens to sue Mukupe over 'sex with wife' message | website=Bulawayo24 News | date=20 February 2020 | url=https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-179606.html | access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="Malawi 24 2020">{{cite web | title=Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in trouble again: Accused of impregnating ex-Minister's wife - Malawi news | website=Malawi 24 | date=19 February 2020 | url=https://malawi24.com/2020/02/19/prophet-shepherd-bushiri-in-trouble-again-accused-of-impregnating-ex-ministers-wife/ | access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="ZimEye 2020">{{cite web | title=Bushiri Denies Bedding Mukupe's Vulgar Singing Wife | website=ZimEye | date=21 February 2020 | url=https://www.zimeye.net/2020/02/21/bushiri-denies-bedding-mukupes-vulgar-singing-wife/ | access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref>
Mukupe's response to Bushiri was that Bushiri had not used his own phone to contact Rachel and that Mukupe had paid for the tickets for Bushiri to travel.<ref name="Zimbabwe News Now 2020"/><ref name="eDuzeNet 2020"/> According to reports, "Mukupe's public spat with Bushiri has divided opinion among ZANU–PF members over his psychological fitness to head the ZanuPF youth league."<ref name="Bulawayo24 2020">{{cite web | author=Staff Reporter | title=Battle for ZANU PF top youth league post heats up | website=Bulawayo24 News | date=25 February 2020 | url=https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-180004.html | access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref>
On 3 March, Rachel (known as Rachel J) responded to the allegations between Bushiri and Mukupe. In her statement, released via her family, it was stated that: # She was not married to Terence Mukupe although the man did live in her home and she had had children with him.<ref name="Ndoro 2020">{{cite web | last=Ndoro | first=Timothy | title=Rachel J, Minister's Wife Allegedly Impregnated By Prophet Bushiri Speaks Out | website=iHarare News | date=3 March 2020 | url=https://iharare.com/rachel-j-zim-finance-ministers-wife-allegedly-impregnated-by-prophet-shepherd-bushiri-speaks-out/ | access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref> # She looked after him and his 10 children.<ref name="Ndoro 2020"/> # Rachel had terminated their relationship because she had discovered that Terence Mukupe had once again impregnated Tracy Winterboer, the second child sired with the same woman during Rachel's relationship with Mukupe.<ref name="Ndoro 2020"/> # The claims of her impregnation by Bushiri are unbelievable since Mukupe's evidence shows that they met in 2018. "How is it possible for her to carry a pregnancy for two years?" they asked.<ref name="Ndoro 2020"/>
On 4 March, Rachel J's family demanded a paternity test be performed on the child to prove that he was not Bushiri's.<ref name="Pindula 2020">{{cite web | title="We're Confidently Waiting For Terence," New Twist To Mukupe, Shepherd Bushiri And Rachel J Adultery Case ⋆ Pindula News | website=Pindula ⋆ Simple & Latest Zimbabwe News | date=4 March 2020 | url=https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/03/04/were-confidently-waiting-for-terence-new-twist-to-mukupe-shepherd-bushiri-and-rachel-j-adultery-case/ | access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref>
On 6 March, Rachel gave birth to a daughter she referred to as "Najah, Deborah, Makomborero".<ref name="Ndoro March 2020">{{cite web | last=Ndoro | first=Timothy | title=PICS: Rachel J Gives Birth To Child 'Hubby' Claims Belongs To Prophet Bushiri | website=iHarare News | date=10 March 2020 | url=https://iharare.com/pics-rachel-j-gives-birth-to-child-hubby-claims-belongs-to-prophet-bushiri/ | access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref> No paternity tests had been conducted at that point.
=== Rape and Sexual Assault === On March 21, 2021, South African Police charged Shepherd Bushiri with 16 counts of rape relating to 8 different victims.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCain |first=Compiled by Nicole |title=Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri faces rape charges - report |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/self-proclaimed-prophet-shepherd-bushiri-faces-rape-charges-report-20210319 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref> At the time the police had already issued 3 warrants of arrests relating to three separate charges of rape against Bushiri<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-23 |title=Three warrants of arrest issued against Prophet Bushiri for rape |url=https://40.123.250.247/breaking-news/bushiri-rape/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=Sunday World |language=en-ZA}}</ref> The police claimed that Bushiri targeted women and girls at his church.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-18 |title=Shepherd Bushiri faces slew of new rape claims |url=https://mg.co.za/africa/2021-03-18-shepherd-bushiri-faces-slew-of-new-rape-claims/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}</ref> According to police documents, the girls, including some as young as 15 and who were sisters were kept in hotel rooms and brutally raped for hours before being given between $500 and $700 and being asked to leave.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shepherd Bushiri: Rape allegations and denials — what you need to know |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-08-31-shepherd-bushiri-rape-allegations-and-denials-what-you-need-to-know/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=TimesLIVE |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Police later announced they were investigating Bushiri's associates whom they accused of intimidating victims, and reported that several victims had come forward between 2016 and 2018 and accused Bushiri of rape before recanting their testimonies after being intimidated or paid off.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shepherd Bushiri accused of rape {{!}} eNCA |url=https://www.enca.com/news/shepherd-bushiri-accused-rape-two-congregants |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=www.enca.com |language=en}}</ref> In December 2021, police arrested Brigadier Rosey Resondt’s husband, Clifford Cornelius Resondt, who was Bushiri’s head of security and charged them with corruption and defeating the ends of justice after Bushiri sent them R500,000 which was given to a rape victim who later recanted her allegations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cop 'received R500k from Bushiri Ministries to make husband's rape charge go away' - LNN |url=https://midrandreporter.co.za/lnn/1148516/cop-received-r500k-from-bushiri-ministries-to-make-husbands-rape-charge-go-away/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=Midrand Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Fraudulent permit === On 24 October 2020, South African Police revealed that Shepherd Bushiri's residency in the country may have been irregular after noticing that his South African issued identity card was issued in 1996 but Bushiri and his wife had first travelled to South Africa in 2010 on tourist visas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bushiri's SA permanent residency in question {{!}} eNCA |url=https://www.enca.com/news/bushiris-sa-permanent-residency-question |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=www.enca.com |language=en}}</ref> The police later announced that Bushiri had paid for a fraudulent residency permit and deemed him an illegal immigrant.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bushiris are definitely in SA illegally - home affairs minister |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/bushiris-are-definitely-in-sa-illegally-home-affairs-minister-20201027 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref> After the announcement, 5 officials were suspended for having issued Bushiri fraudulent identity documents.<ref>{{Cite web |first=andisiwe |last=makinana |title=Five officials suspended for Bushiri's fraudulent permanent residency docs |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2021-09-07-five-officials-suspended-for-bushiris-fraudulent-permanent-residency-docs/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=TimesLIVE |language=en-ZA}}</ref>
==Arrest== On 1 February 2019, Bushiri was arrested together with his wife by South Africa's Directorate for Priority Investigations (HAWKS) for fraud and money laundering.<ref>{{cite news |title=Breaking: Shepherd Bushiri arrested in South Africa |url=https://malawi24.com/2019/02/01/breaking-sheperd-bushiri-arrested-in-south-africa/ |access-date=1 February 2019 |publisher=Malawi24 |date=1 February 2019}}</ref> The Hawks said the case against the couple was linked to alleged offences of fraud and money laundering, as well as the contravention of South Africa's Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), which had been committed from 2015. The contravention of the Act was in relation to Exchange Control Regulations relating to foreign currency of ${{val|1147200|fmt=gaps}}.
On 28 August 2019, Bushiri's court case was postponed until 29 November 2019 to allow his legal team, including Terrence Baloyi and Barry Roux,<ref name="Sicetsha Feb19">{{cite web | last=Sicetsha | first=Andile | title=Pastor Bushiri recruits the services of Barry Roux in fraud case | website=The South African | date=5 February 2019 | url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/pastor-bushiri-recruits-services-barry-roux-fraud-case/ | access-date=27 September 2019}}</ref> to make representations to the National Prosecuting Authority.<ref name="Sicetsha Aug19">{{cite web | last=Sicetsha | first=Andile | title=Shepherd Bushiri fraud case postponed: This is what we know | website=The South African | date=29 August 2019 | url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/shepherd-bushiri-fraud-case-postponed-why/ | access-date=27 September 2019}}</ref> The case was subsequently postponed to 27 July 2020 for trial,<ref name="Jordaan 2019">{{cite web | last=Jordaan | first=Nomahlubi | title='Prophet' Bushiri to stand trial next year on fraud and money laundering charges | website=TimesLIVE | date=29 November 2019 | url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-11-29-prophet-bushiri-to-stand-trial-next-year-on-fraud-and-money-laundering-charges/ | access-date=2 March 2020}}</ref> at which time it was postponed to October 2020.<ref name="Maromo July 2020">{{cite web | last=Maromo | first=Jonisayi | title='Prophet' Bushiri and wife's fraud, money laundering trial postponed until October | website=IOL | date=27 July 2020 | url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/prophet-bushiri-and-wifes-fraud-money-laundering-trial-postponed-until-october--a6491d50-b2b0-4980-a10b-a769079a6764 | access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>
In November 2019, application was made by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for the forfeiture of a 1984 Gulfstream aircraft owned by Bushiri and hangared at Lanseria airport, north of Johannesburg. The NPA claimed that the aircraft had been procured with funds illegally obtained. Bushiri claimed that it was legitimately acquired in 2016 for ${{val|1250000|fmt=gaps}} (R{{val|17000000|fmt=gaps}}). The application for forfeiture was not ready to go ahead and was removed from the court roll.<ref name="IOL Nov2019">{{cite web | title=Prophet Shepherd Bushiri fights to keep $1.2m luxury jet - Pretoria News | website=IOL | date=30 November 2019 | url=https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/prophet-shepherd-bushiri-fights-to-keep-12m-luxury-jet-38100551 | language=id | access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref>
Bushiri and his wife were each granted R{{val|100000|fmt=gaps}} (approx ${{val|7500|fmt=gaps}}) bail after appearing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on 6 February 2019. Among the bail conditions were that the couple remain in Gauteng and their travel documents remain with the state. If they needed to travel, they would need to get written permission from investigating officers. Bushiri and wife were also not allowed to make contact with any of the witnesses.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sesona Ngqakamba |title=Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife granted R100 000 bail |url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/self-proclaimed-prophet-shepherd-bushiri-and-his-wife-granted-r100-000-bail-20190206 |work=News 24 |access-date=6 February 2019 |date=6 February 2019}}</ref>
On 20 October 2020, prior to their court appearance on 30 October 2020, the Bushiris were arrested on charges which were not included in the previous cases. Conflicting reports implicated various combinations of Landiwe Sindani, Landiwe Ntokwana, Willah Mudolo and Zethu Mudolo in the fraud case as co-accused with the Bushiris.<ref name="Maromo 2020">{{cite web | last=Maromo | first=Jonisayi | title=Hawks arrest Shepherd Bushiri, wife over R100m fraud case | website=iol.co.za | date=21 October 2020 | url=https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/hawks-arrest-shepherd-bushiri-wife-over-r100m-fraud-case-0a1c54ac-a55f-4470-8c27-a967032ed9c8 | access-date=5 November 2020}}</ref><ref name="Molosankwe 2020">{{cite web | last=Molosankwe | first=Botho | title=Home Affairs trouble for Shepherd and Mary Bushiri | website=iol.co.za | date=25 October 2020 | url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/home-affairs-trouble-for-shepherd-and-mary-bushiri-0b5c30b9-8723-484b-b1e2-792c5824e611 | access-date=5 November 2020}}</ref><ref name="POWER 98.7 2020">{{cite web | title=Scores of Bushiri supporters gathered outside Pretoria's Magistrate Court | website=POWER 98.7 | date=26 October 2020 | url=https://www.power987.co.za/news/scores-of-bushiri-supports-gathered-outside-pretorias-magistrate-court/ | access-date=5 November 2020}}</ref> The Bushiris are also accused of being illegally in South Africa and of having contravened the immigration regulations on several occasions since at least 2015.<ref name="Molosankwe 2020"/> Their bail application was set for 30 October.<ref name="kedsta 2020">{{cite web | author= kedsta | title=Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Wife To Get Bail Application | website=Kedsta | date=22 October 2020 | url=https://kedsta.com/latest-news/south-africa/prophet-shepherd-bushiri-wife/ | access-date=5 November 2020}}</ref> The Bushiris had not been released from prison as they were considered a flight risk as evidenced by the allegations that they had illegally exported a Bentley and a Maserati to Malawi earlier in 2020.<ref name="TimesLIVE 2020">{{cite web | title=Bentley & Maserati shipped illegally to Malawi: state in Shepherd Bushiri bail bid | website=TimesLIVE | date=30 October 2020 | url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-10-30-bentley-maserati-shipped-illegally-to-malawi-state-in-shepherd-bushiri-bail-bid/ | access-date=5 November 2020}}</ref>
The trial date for the fraud case was set for May 2021.<ref name="SABC News">{{cite web | title=ECG Pastor Shepherd Bushiri and his wife are in South Africa illegally: Motsoaledi | website=SABC News | date=26 October 2020 | url=https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/ecg-pastor-shepherd-bushiri-and-his-wife-are-in-south-africa-illegally-motsoaledi/ | access-date=5 November 2020}}</ref>
On 14 November 2020, reports surfaced that Bushiri and his wife had fled back to Malawi, breaking bail conditions due to fears for their safety.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ewn.co.za/2020/11/14/shepherd-and-mary-bushiri-flee-sa-to-save-their-lives-defying-bail-conditions|title=SHEPHERD & MARY BUSHIRI FLEE SA TO 'SAVE' THEIR LIVES', DEFYING BAIL CONDITIONS | access-date=14 November 2020}}</ref> On November 20, Bushiri and his wife, who were arrested in their native country on November 18,<ref name=malawiarrest>{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_malawian-prophet-shepherd-bushiri-arrested-after-fleeing-south-africa/6198536.html|title=Malawian 'Prophet' Shepherd Bushiri Arrested After Fleeing South Africa|first=Larneck|last=Masina|publisher=Voice of America|date=18 November 2020|access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref> were released from a Malawi prison after their arrest was deemed unprocedural.<ref name=released>{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_malawi-court-frees-preacher-bushiri-after-deeming-his-arrest-illegal/6198625.html|title=Malawi Court Frees Preacher Bushiri After Deeming His Arrest Illegal|first=Larneck|last=Masina|publisher=Voice of America|date=20 November 2020|access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref>
The following week, Bushiri and his wife were arrested again and arraigned before the court's where Malawi prosecutors sought to extradite them to South Africa. They were released on bail and their extradition case is ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maphanga |first=Canny |title=Bushiri extradition: Case delayed by argument over SA witnesses |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/bushiri-extradition-case-delayed-by-argument-over-sa-witnesses-20220211 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref> In February 2022 the high court refused to throw out Bushiri's challenge of his extradition and instead sent the case to the Magistrate's court for ruling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maphanga |first=Canny |title=Bushiri extradition case: Malawi High Court orders lower court to continue with committal proceedings |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/bushiri-extradition-case-malawi-high-court-orders-lower-court-to-continue-with-committal-proceedings-20220208 |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=News24 |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Personal life== Bushiri was born to a Malawian father and a Zambian mother.<ref name="Citizen 2019">{{cite news |date=7 February 2019 |title=Social media goes wild over Bushiri's 'real' name |url=https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/social-media/2078558/social-media-goes-wild-over-bushiris-real-name/ |access-date=14 September 2019 |website=The Citizen}}</ref> He is married to Mary Bushiri.<ref name="Byo"/> They have two daughters together.<ref name="Byo">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/bushiri-for-byo/|title=BUSHIRI FOR BYO|website=www.sundaynews.co.zw|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zambianobserver.com/shocking-photos-of-prophet-shepherd-bushiri-35-who-now-owns-4-private-jets/|title=Shocking photos of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri (35) who now owns 4 private jets|date=2018-07-01|work=The Zambian Observer|access-date=2018-09-11}}</ref> On 29 March 2021, Bushiri announced the passing away of his first daughter Israella in Kenya after a lengthy respiratory illness.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tshikalange|first=Shonisani|date=29 March 2021|title=Shepherd Bushiri's daughter, 8, dies|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-03-29-shepherd-bushiris-daughter-8-dies/|access-date=2021-03-29|website=SowetanLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Israella Bushiri funeral: Photos from Prophet Shepherd Bushiri daughter burial as family wave final goodbye |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-56605894 |access-date=2024-07-11 |work=BBC News Pidgin}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[http://www.voiceofdominion.com/2017/04/11/prophet-shepherd-bushiri/ Official Biography of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri] *[http://shepherdbushirimajor.one/ "Major One"], Shepherd Bushiri Ministries *[https://www.prophetshepherdbushiri.com/ Prophet Shepherd Bushiri website] *[https://www.ecgchurch.org/ Enlightened Christian Gathering website] {{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bushiri, Shepherd}} Category:Living people Category:Malawian clergy Category:1983 births Category:Malawian evangelicals Category:Sexual abuse scandals in Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity