NPA to Sell Bushiri’s R50 Million Plane After North Gauteng High Court Authorisation
The North Gauteng High Court has authorised the NPA to sell Shepherd Bushiri’s R50 million luxury plane, suspected of being bought with illicit funds. This is a major step in recovering the fugitive pastor’s assets.
Johannesburg – Fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri faces further financial repercussions as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a significant legal victory. The North Gauteng High Court has granted the NPA the authority to NPA to sell Bushiri’s R50 million plane. This Bombardier Challenger 604 jet, valued at approximately R50 million, is believed by the NPA to have been purchased with the proceeds of unlawful activities. This development marks a crucial step forward in the ongoing efforts to seize assets linked to the self-proclaimed prophet.
High Court Permits Sale of Bushiri’s R50 Million Jet Amidst “Dirty Money” Allegations
The pivotal court ruling, issued by Judge Sulet Potterill on 26 March 2025 and brought to public attention on 6 April 2025, empowers the NPA’s asset forfeiture unit to take control of and NPA to sell Bushiri’s R50 million plane. The aircraft is currently located at Lanseria airport. The funds generated from this sale will be placed in a trust account, where they will remain until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings against Bushiri and his wife, Mary.
The NPA successfully argued before the court that the luxury jet, acquired in 2019, was purchased with funds originating from illegal activities. Prosecutors presented their case, highlighting Bushiri’s alleged attempts to obscure the ownership of the Bombardier Challenger 604. They contend that he registered the aircraft under his entity, Shepherd Bushiri Investments (SBI), instead of his own name as a deliberate tactic. The NPA believes this was done to shield the asset from potential seizure and scrutiny during the ongoing investigations into alleged money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes.
Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, underscored the importance of this legal triumph. “The deliberate act of using Shepherd Bushiri Investments to register the plane was a clear attempt to obscure ownership, thereby hindering authorities in their efforts to seize the asset. This significant court ruling sends a strong message that South Africa’s law enforcement agencies are committed to ensuring accountability for financial crimes and the recovery of unlawfully obtained assets, regardless of the complexities involved.”
Scrutiny of Funds Used to Purchase the Aircraft
The NPA’s detailed application to the court laid bare inconsistencies in the explanations provided by Bushiri regarding the source of the funds used to NPA to sell Bushiri’s R50 million plane. While Bushiri claimed in his affidavit that the substantial sum of money used to purchase the aircraft came from gifts and cash donations received during church services and other events, the NPA presented evidence suggesting otherwise. They argued that these purported donations were not subjected to proper auditing procedures, and the financial reconciliation provided by Bushiri’s team appeared flawed and unreliable. Furthermore, the NPA alleged that Bushiri made false declarations to the South African Reserve Bank concerning the origin of these funds.
The court documents explicitly stated the NPA’s firm belief: “Considering all the evidence presented, and on a balance of probabilities, it must be concluded that the aircraft was indeed acquired with the proceeds of unlawful activities, which include, but are not limited to, money laundering. The very act of purchasing the aircraft through the methods employed by Bushiri constitutes the crime of money laundering.”
Broader Efforts to Recover Bushiri’s Assets
The move to NPA to sell Bushiri’s R50 million plane is not an isolated incident but forms part of a more comprehensive and determined effort by the NPA to identify, seize, and recover all assets linked to Shepherd Bushiri and his alleged illicit financial activities. Bushiri, along with his wife, Mary, infamously fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail, facing a multitude of serious criminal charges. They subsequently sought refuge in their home country of Malawi, prompting the South African government to initiate formal extradition proceedings.
Lumka Mahanjana, the NPA spokesperson, confirmed the filing of the court application specifically concerning the purchase of the aircraft but declined to provide further details at that stage, citing the ongoing legal processes. However, the successful outcome of this application underscores the NPA’s meticulous and persistent approach to asset recovery.
Shamila Batohi reiterated the NPA’s unwavering resolve in the fight against financial crime. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursue all available legal avenues to recover assets that are believed to be the proceeds of unlawful activities. This case serves as a clear demonstration of our dedication to ensuring that those who engage in financial crimes are held accountable and that the ill-gotten gains are recovered and potentially used to benefit the victims of these crimes or the state.”
Extradition Efforts and International Legal Cooperation
The recent ruling by a Malawian magistrates’ court, ordering the extradition of the Bushiris back to South Africa to face the numerous charges against them, has been warmly welcomed by the South African government. They view this decision as a significant milestone in fostering international legal cooperation between the two nations and a strong reaffirmation of the principle of the rule of law. The authorisation granted to the NPA to sell Bushiri’s R50 million plane further intensifies the legal pressure on the fugitive pastor and highlights the unwavering commitment of South African authorities to ensure that he faces justice and that assets allegedly acquired through illegal means are recovered. The government emphasized that this extradition order underscores the strength and integrity of their legal systems and the importance of holding all individuals accountable before the law, regardless of their position or perceived influence.
The Lilongwe Magistrates’ Court’s ruling indicated that the couple could be extradited to face a range of serious charges in South Africa, including rape allegations, violations of their bail conditions, and breaches of financial, aviation, banking, and immigration laws. The South African government stated that this extradition decision represents a crucial step towards ensuring the Bushiris’ return to South Africa to stand trial and that it reinforces the principle that no one is above the law.
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