Creditors Close In on Bushiri Assets as Legal Battles Mount Six Years After Flight
Six years after fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary fled South Africa while facing criminal charges, creditors and state authorities are intensifying efforts to attach their assets — both locally and abroad.
A series of legal actions now unfolding in the high courts paints a picture of mounting pressure on the self-proclaimed prophet, once one of the country’s most high-profile religious figures, and his ministry.
Absa moves over luxury Range Rover
Among the latest developments is a case brought by Absa Vehicle & Asset Finance in the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, involving a luxury vehicle linked to Mary Bushiri.
According to court papers, the bank has instituted action against her in connection with a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover 4.4 SD V8 Autobiography.
The bank’s particulars of claim state that the finance agreement was concluded on or about March 12 2020 — just months before the Bushiris left South Africa in November that year.
In its filing, Absa contends that the instalment sale agreement clearly stipulated that “ownership of the vehicle would remain vested in the plaintiff until all amounts due by the defendant in terms of the agreement had been paid in full”.
The summons lists a property in Waterfall Country Estate in Midrand as Mary’s chosen domicilium address for service of legal documents.
However, the case highlights the practical challenges facing creditors attempting to recover assets from individuals no longer believed to be in the country.
In correspondence attached to the summons, attorneys acting for the bank instructed sheriffs to ensure strict compliance with updated court rules regarding service of process.
“In terms of the amended Rule 4 of the court rules that came into effect on April 12 2024, all high court summonses need to be served personally on the defendant,” the correspondence states.
“Therefore, please make all attempts to serve on a party older than 16 years and refrain from serving the documents by merely delivering a copy thereof to the address.”
The emphasis on personal service underscores the procedural hurdles creditors face when pursuing debtors who have left the jurisdiction, raising questions about enforcement should service prove unsuccessful.
Aircraft forfeiture battle intensifies
The Absa matter unfolds against the backdrop of a broader legal fight between Bushiri and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Bushiri is currently attempting to block the implementation of an asset forfeiture order obtained by the NPA to seize a luxury Gulfstream jet linked to him. The aircraft forms part of assets authorities have sought to preserve and potentially forfeit amid allegations that he is linked to financial crimes under investigation.
On March 6, Bushiri filed heads of argument at the high court in Pretoria in a bid to halt enforcement of the forfeiture order as part of ongoing criminal proceedings tied to him.
The jet has long been a symbol of the pastor’s wealth and influence. He purchased the aircraft in 2015 in controversial circumstances after allegedly arriving with more than $1.1 million (about R17.9 million at the time) in cash to acquire it.
The NPA’s efforts to secure the aircraft are part of a broader strategy to preserve assets that could be subject to forfeiture should criminal proceedings ultimately result in convictions.
Municipal debt claim surfaces
Legal action is not limited to financial institutions and national authorities.
Separate litigation instituted by the City of Johannesburg reveals that municipal officials are also pursuing debts of more than R1.4 million allegedly owed by Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Ministries and Bushiri personally.
The municipality has instituted action in the high court in Johannesburg over alleged unpaid municipal levies, rates and taxes linked to a Blue Hills property associated with the church.
According to court papers, the city alleges that Bushiri and the ministry failed to settle the outstanding account despite receiving municipal services invoices and demand letters.
“As a result, the plaintiff suffered damages in the sum of R1.4m on account of municipal levies, rates and taxes.”
The municipality further states that formal demand letters were served before legal proceedings were initiated.
“Despite demand, the defendant failed or neglected or refused to pay the plaintiff.”
The litigation suggests that local authorities are pursuing recovery of public funds even as criminal matters against Bushiri remain unresolved.
From prominence to pursuit
The growing stack of legal actions marks a stark shift from the era when Bushiri stood at the height of his influence in South Africa.
At its peak, the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church attracted thousands of followers to packed services, and Bushiri became synonymous with conspicuous displays of wealth — from luxury vehicles to private jets and high-end properties.
That image of prosperity and spiritual authority has since given way to complex legal battles spanning criminal charges, asset forfeiture proceedings and civil claims by creditors.
The Bushiris fled South Africa in November 2020 after being granted bail on charges including fraud, money laundering and contraventions of immigration and financial laws. Their departure triggered diplomatic tensions and ongoing extradition efforts.
While the criminal cases continue to wind their way through the courts, the parallel civil proceedings suggest that financial institutions and municipalities are unwilling to wait for the outcome of those matters before attempting to secure recovery.
For now, the cases before the high courts in Johannesburg and Pretoria represent the latest chapter in a saga that has stretched across borders and years — and which shows little sign of resolution in the near future.
