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Prophet Shepherd Bushiri of Enlighten Christian Gathering (ECG) Church has his wife Mary Bushiri are still in police custody following bail ruling postponement on Wednesday in South Africa.
The two who were arrested by Hawks on Monday on fraud and money laundering charges appeared before Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday for bail application and hearing.
The State formally requested to postpone the case while also resisting bail.
Bushiri’s Public Relations Officer Ephraim Nyondo confirmed of the development in a statement made available to faceofmalawi.
“Leader of Enlightened of Enlightened Christian Gathering Church (ECG) Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and wife, Prophetess Mary Bushiri, appeared before Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday for bail application and hearing.
“The State formally requested to postpone the case while also resisting bail. Our lawyers vehemently opposed the State’s stance to the effect that they demonstrated their readiness by submitting bail applications affidavit,” said Nyondo in a statement.
He added: “The Magistrate will rule on the postponement on Friday, 23rd October, 2020 and possibly the bail hearing.
“We are unhappy about what we feel is a weaponisation of the criminal justice system.
The state reserves the right to arrest and prosecute but surely they cannot always arrest and then claim they are not ready to proceed.”
“Prophet Bushiri and Prophetess Mary Bushiri have always vehemently stood by their innocence and are resolute in their stance that they are innocent.”
The case will resume on Friday when the Magistrate will rule on the postponement and possibly the bail hearing.
