Self-proclaimed Malawian prophet Shepherd ‘Major 1’ Bushiri took to social media to show support for controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso after his acquittal in a high-profile case.
The controversial man of oath has been before the courts for eight years, facing a string of charges that includes money laundering, fraud, attempted rape and sexual assault.
BUSHIRI SUPPORTS PASTOR OMOTOSO AFTER HIS ACQUITTAL
However, the High Court in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, acquitted the man of oath alongside co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho.
The presiding judge, Irma Schoeman, ruled that the state failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, ending the eight-year trial.
Evidence brought before the courts was deemed insufficient, while the judge criticised the prosecution’s weak cross-examination.
Several congregants and fellow prophets, including Bushiri, have welcomed news of Omotoso’s acquittal. The self-proclaimed prophet expressed his support for the pastor in a Facebook post.
“After eight long, agonising years—years that felt like an endless night—Timothy Omotoso, a Nigerian-born televangelist, has been declared innocent,” he wrote on Facebook.
Bushiri added, “The High Court of South Africa has acquitted him of all 32 charges, including rape, sexual assault, money laundering, human trafficking, and racketeering. Imagine thirty-two!”
‘THAT IS WHY I REFUSE TO GO BACK’: SELF-PROCLAIMED PROPHET MAJOR 1
However, he also likened Omotoso’s case to his woes and seemingly said he ‘won’t be returning to SA’ because he knows what awaits.
“That is why I refuse to go back. That is why I resist extradition to South Africa – because I know what waits for me there. A rigged game. A predetermined fate,” Bushiri said.
“Last month, a court in Malawi threw out ten charges against me – fraud, money laundering, racketeering—which South Africa wants me to answer. I am surprised no one is talking about this,” he said.
Bushiri, who fled South Africa for Malawi, faces a string of charges which include rape, violating bail conditions, and several financial and immigration violations.
Amid his court woes, Bushiri and his wife fled South Africa in 2020, leaving their fortune behind.
However, he is set to return to South Africa for trial after the Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Malawi ordered his extradition to South Africa.
Despite the order, Bushiri has made it known that he won’t be returning to South Africa. Will the two governments bring the self-proclaimed prophet back for trial?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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