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Self-proclaimed prophet and controversial millionaire Shepherd Bushiri says he returned to his native country with his wife because he feared for her life.
Controversial millionaire preacher Shepherd Bushiri, out on bail in South Africa in an alleged fraud and money laundering case, has fled to his native Malawi.
The self-proclaimed prophet is known for his “miracles” and wildly extravagant lifestyle and has invested heavily in the mining, telecommunications and luxury sectors.
He was arrested for alleged fraud and money laundering in October in a multi-million dollar case, but obtained bail in November.
His wealth comes from donations from followers of his Illuminated Christian Gathering church in the South African capital, Pretoria.
Bushiri and his wife, Mary, were released on bail on the condition that they be confined to the South African province of Gauteng.
The first images of #Bushiri at his home in Lilongwe, Malawi, with attorney Ralph Kasambara@nomsa_maseko pic.twitter.com/zIrW8WXd7Z
– Idriss A. Nassah (@mynassah) November 14, 2020
Bushiri, in a statement on Saturday, said he had fled South Africa because he feared for his life.
“There have been clear and obvious attempts to kill me, my wife and my family and … there has never been state protection,” he said.
“Our arrival in Malawi, therefore, is a tactical withdrawal by the Republic of South Africa with the sole objective of preserving our lives,” Bushiri added.
“We have to be alive to testify.”
There were reports that Bushiri fled South Africa with Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, who was on a two-day official visit to South Africa and returned on Saturday.
But Chakwera spokesman Brian Banda said the priest was not on the presidential plane.
“The accusation that Prophet Shepherd Bushiri arrived on the same flight with the president is false,” he said.
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