The fraud and money laundering case against Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) founder and leader Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, was expected resume this morning at the Pretoria high court for trial but has been shifted until further notice due to the Covid 19 related issues.
The Bushiri’s are facing charges of money laundering and fraud. The case was postponed last year. Meanwhile because of COVID-19, thousands of Bushiri loyal followers across the world would did not have the chance to gather outside the court to support their “spiritual father” like they did last year.
The church yesterday released a statement appealing with its members to stay calm and remain in prayer as their leader appear before the High Court today.
“In the wake of COVID19, the Church wishes to advise all those who will be standing with our leaders to observe and adhere to set health regulations of your respective countries,” reads the statement.
On his Facebook wall today also reacted with dismay to the adjournment of the case and wrote.
This morning, my wife and I appeared at the Pretoria High Court for a trial which was postponed on the 29th November 2019. During our appearance, the prosecutors applied for the court to postpone the trial till next year July, because their 29 witnesses refused to come to court because ofCovid-19.
My wife and I, together with our lawyers, took the risk inspite of Covid-19 and attended court. How is Covid-19 dangerous to the witnesses and not for my wife and I? I ask… I instructed our lawyers to vehemently oppose the postponement to next year, as we have been on remand for over a year already. Our lawyers indeed gave a detailed history and opposed the postponement.
You will remember that at the time of our arrest, the state claimed they had evidence and wanted to go to trial. However, at each appearance they have asked for more time.
We are disappointed that the Judge has granted a postponement for the State to get their house in order. The President of South Africa has announced that we should learn to live with Covid-19 in our lives. Therefore this trial should have proceeded because it was booked for the whole month of August.
I feel this it unfair, seeing my lawyers were ready to proceed with the trial. We have faith in the justice system of this nation. we do believe that we will get justice one day and we will be able to live our lives freely. We remain ready for the trial in order to clear our names.We are very grateful for your prayers and support.
