Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, says his following in South Africa has risen to greater than two million registered members.
He maintains that the church expanded sharply after he fled the nation whereas out on bail.
In an unique interview with eNCA in Lilongwe, Malawi, Bushiri identified to his followers as Main One stated the church had “multiplied 5 occasions extra” since his 2020 departure.
Escape Triggered Diplomatic Fallout
Bushiri and his spouse Mary left South Africa in November 2020, days after receiving bail on fraud and money-laundering prices involving R102 million.
Their escape strained relations between Pretoria and Lilongwe, as South Africa pushed for his or her extradition, a course of now halted after a current court docket ruling in Malawi.
Earlier this month, the Excessive Court docket of Malawi dismissed South Africa’s extradition request, citing rumour proof, poorly authenticated paperwork and issues for the couple’s security.
Bushiri: ‘Our Church Grew Greater’
Bushiri insisted that his congregation had surged since he left South Africa.
“You might be conscious of that. Our church truly grew 5 occasions greater than once I was in South Africa. Our church grew greater,” he stated.
He claimed that greater than two million individuals at the moment are registered members throughout South Africa, with branches in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape City.
The Enlightened Christian Gathering stays one in every of southern Africa’s largest charismatic actions.
The church as soon as crammed stadiums in Gauteng and continues to attract giant crowds throughout the area.
Many congregants nonetheless journey between South Africa and Malawi to attend Bushiri’s providers in particular person.
Regardless of his ongoing authorized points and self-imposed exile, giant numbers of followers proceed to treat Bushiri as a prophet and miracle employee, with satellite tv for pc branches reportedly energetic in a number of international locations.
