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By Jonisayi Maromo 
6h ago
Pretoria – The administration of the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe has taken a radical turn, revoking its previous permission for the Enlightened Christian Gathering church leader, the self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, to present his popular annual crossover at the Malawi National Stadium.
Bushiri has requested the use of the 41,000-seat stadium to host his dazzling annual crossing service on December 31. The meetings, which were previously held at the 90,000-seat FNB stadium in Johannesburg, draw supporters from across South Africa, the African continent and from different countries. parts of the world.
The management of the Bingu National Stadium, in a written response that was widely circulated on social media, told the Bushiri spokesperson that the stadium would no longer host the highly publicized event as it could draw large crowds in violation of preventive measures. of Covid-19.
The stadium management also said the facility will also undergo maintenance in preparation for the African Football Confederation (CAF) inspection, which will take place in early January.
“At the time of the CAF inspection, the management may not have enough time to restore the stadium to its normal condition due to anticipated damage and loss during its function,” the stadium management said in a letter signed by the Acting Stadium Director A. Mwaungulu.
“It takes a long time to repair or recover such damages or losses, respectively, as seen in past experiences.”
On Sunday, Bushiri’s spokesman, Ephraim Nyondo, told the African News Agency that after the sudden cancellation, the ECG leadership was now in “serious discussions”, charting a way forward in organizing the event.
“We may not know what led to the U-turn, but as an obedient church led by the Prophet Shepherd Bushiri who believes in complying, we can only confirm the cancellation of the reservation. Our leaders are currently in talks trying to find a way forward, ”Nyondo said.
He confirmed that international visitors, including from South Africa, where Bushiri has a considerable following, were expected to attend the December 31 event.
“Our church operates in 47 countries on six continents. In all previous crossovers, members from all of these countries always appeared. We also expect members from these countries to show up, not just South Africa, ”Nyondo said.
Regarding widespread media reports that the ECG church was charging the public for meeting with Bushiri, Nyondo said the reports were not true.
“The word of God on ECG was free, it is free and it will always be free. You are free to visit our church and find out for yourself, ”he insisted.
The government of South Africa has made a formal request to the government of Malawi for the extradition of Bushiri and his wife, Mary. The couple fled South Africa after being released on bail early last month.
The self-proclaimed prophet and prophetess faces charges of theft, money laundering and fraud related to an investment plan.
South African courts have issued various arrest warrants.
– African News Agency (ANA)
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