The National Prosecuting Authority Of South Africa has revealed that the Bushiri family mansion in Centurion will be auctioned after it was forfeited to the state.
Bushiri’s house is valued at R5,5 million
Shepherd and wife Mary Bushiri’s multimillion-rand house was forfeited following their absconding of a court appearance as they skipped bail by escaping to Malawi.
The leaders of the Enlightened Christian Gathering church headquartered in Pretoria are facing a plethora of cases ranging from fraud, money laundering, theft and breaking immigration laws.
The couple also forfeited a total of R400,000 in deposits they made after they were released on bail.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Sipho Ngwema revealed to Time Live that the Bushiri couple’s house will be sold on auction as it is unlikely that the couple would appeal the forfeiture order.
Bushiri needs to submit a credible reason on why he skipped bail in order to successfully appeal the forfeiture order.
“The state will have to auction it so that it realises its value and the money will be given to the fiscus,” Sipho Ngwema said.
The charismatic preacher said he is aware that some of his assets were forfeited in South Africa but he was not moved as his life is more important than assets.
“I am also informed that some of my assets in SA have been confiscated by authorities, to which I say: ‘My right to life is more important than any asset in this world,’” he said.
“Whatever has happened today, I don’t see it as our victory, neither our lawyers. God has won. Tomorrow is better than today!” he posted on Facebook.
He and his wife have since been freed after handing themselves over to the police in Malawi. The magistrate ruled that it was illegal to hold the couple as South Africa had not submitted a formal extradition request.