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The prophet Shephard Bushiri appears in the Pretoria Magistrates Court.
Frennie Shivambu, Gallo Images
- The Bushiris have been granted bail of 200,000 rand each, under strict conditions.
- The couple has to report to SAPS twice a week.
- Bushiri and his co-defendants face charges of fraud, theft and money laundering.
Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and four others were released on bail at Pretoria Central Magistrates Court on Wednesday, under strict conditions.
The defendants, Bushiri, his wife Mary, Landiwe Ntlokwana, Zethu and Willie Mudolo, face charges of fraud, theft and money laundering in connection with an investment plan worth R102 million.
After two weeks of discussion, the court concluded that the risk of the defendant escaping from the criminal process was minimal.
Subsequently, Bushiri and his wife received bail of 200,000 rand each.
Ntlokwana was granted bail of 100,000 rand and Zethu Mudolo 20,000 ra.
Her husband, Willie Mudolo, is expected to apply for bail on Friday.
READ | Pastor, Maria Bushiri posted a bond of R200,000 each
In his opinion, Judge Thandi Theledi raised the issue of permanent residence in South Africa with respect to the Bushiri.
“Although it is a concern for the State and [is] under investigation, the current fact is that they are permanent residents.
“In the event that the permanent residence status of defendants 4 and 5 (Bushiri and Mary) is revoked while this case is still pending in court, the State will exercise its rights,” he explained.
Bail conditions
The group must report to the nearest SAPS office every Monday and Friday, between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, until the case is finalized.
They are also prohibited from traveling outside the borders of South Africa, until this case is finalized.
Bushiris are prohibited from traveling anywhere in South Africa except within Gauteng and North West provinces.
The group’s travel documents were turned over to the investigating officer. They are also prohibited from applying for any travel documents while this case is still pending in court.
The Bushiris must surrender the original title to a property, jointly owned, as a guarantee that they will attend the rest of the criminal process.
This must be delivered to the NPA before November 5 at 4:00 p.m.
Property
In addition, the Bushiris are prohibited from disposing of such property (title deed) or obtaining a new title deed to such property, until the case is finalized.
The defendants should also not intimidate or threaten the state witnesses in the case, directly or indirectly.
Theledi also told the Bushiris that they cannot make threats through their preaching.
“In his preaching, or on any platform directed at his parishioners and followers, he is prohibited from making threats against state witnesses, members of the prosecution team and members of the investigation team,” he said.
Theledi also warned that if the conditions of the bond are not met, it can be canceled and the money paid will be lost to the State.
All defendants are due to return to Pretoria Magistrates Court on Friday.
