There has been an increase in fraud and money laundering activities lately. A money launderer and fraudster who parades himself as a self-proclaimed “Prophet” and controversial millionaire has been arrested in Malawi. The self-proclaimed “Prophet” handed himself over to the police after his mysterious return from South Africa. He was on trial for money laundering and fraud charges.
The incident threatened a diplomatic rift between the two South African countries. Pretoria was reportedly furious that shepherd Bushiri and his wife had left the country while on bail.
“The couple is in our custody. Currently, we are taking statements from the Bushiris. We will then take them to courts,” Malawi police spokesperson James Kadadzera told DPA news agency on Wednesday.
According to one of their lawyers, Bushiri and his wife will remain in custody until brought before a court.
Bushiri, the purported millionaire, said that he had left the country because he feared for his life.
“He is not a fugitive,” said Ephraim Nyondo, Bushiri’s spokesperson.
“He is in Malawi to seek justice; which he believes they cannot accord him we cannot accord him in South Africa.”
Bushiri and Mary, his wife, were known for their lavish lifestyles in South Africa. The self-proclaimed “Prophet” made his wealth through donations from his followers of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church based in Pretoria. Besides, he had enormous investments in the luxury sector, mining, and telecommunications.
South Africa is trying to find out how Bushiri escaped from the country and has started a legal proceeding to secure his deportation.
“The Bushiri matter has been very concerning to all of us,” President Cyril Ramaphosa told local news channel ENCA.
South Africa president, Cyril Ramaphosa, said he was expecting a “detailed report on the whole Bushiri saga…then we’ll see what action needs to be taken because it should never have happened the way it did.”
“We are going to take action, that’s for sure,” he said.
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