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Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary (in red).
PHOTO: Frennie Shivambu, Gallo Images
- Three arrest warrants have been issued for self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri
- The orders relate to two different cases allegedly registered in 2018 and a third rape case registered in 2020.
- News24 previously reported that the leader of the Enlightened Christian Encounter (ECG) denied the rape allegations against him.
Three arrest warrants for different rape cases have been issued for the self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, who fled the country earlier this month.
News24 can confirm that all three orders were issued on November 19 by the Pretoria Magistrates Court.
The orders relate to two different cases allegedly registered in 2018 and a third rape case registered in 2020.
News24 previously reported that Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) leader denied the rape allegations leveled against him, claiming that the Hawks were “intimidating women” into pressing false charges against him.
Bushiri’s comments followed an eTV interview with two women who claimed they were raped by him.
It has not yet been determined if these cases are linked to the two women who were interviewed.
These latest orders only add to legal woes for Bushiri, who is currently a fugitive, as he and his wife, Mary, skipped the country after being granted bail in a fraud and money laundering case for a sum of R102 million.
The Pretoria Magistrates Court authorized an arrest warrant related to this case after it was revealed that Bushiri had returned to his country of birth, Malawi.
READ | Investigations into Shepherd and Mary Bushiri’s escape uncover money laundering trail
Upon leaving South Africa, the Bushiri broke their bail conditions, which included having to report to a police station twice a week.
While it is not yet known how he managed to flee, Bushiri has tried to justify his breach of bail conditions.
Bushiri said he had fled the country because he believed his life and that of his wife were in danger.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, on November 18, issued arrest warrants for Bushiri and Mary in another fraud case.
“South Africa has initiated legal proceedings to secure the extradition of the fugitives,” Hawks spokesman Katlego Mogale said in a statement.
This matter is being heard in Superior Court and relates to allegations that the couple violated exchange control regulations.
The case involves foreign currency worth around R19 million, News24 previously reported.
The trial in this case has been set for May 31, 2021.
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