Latest news with #Bushiri
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Leaked affidavit exposing Landiwe Ntlokwana's involvement in a multi-million rand scheme
According to the affidavit, Ntlokwana managed investor data, tracked payments, and even used her company's bank account — GTT Wealth (Pty) Ltd — to receive millions of rands from individuals drawn into Bushiri's now-notorious commodities investment platform. Image: Supplied A leaked affidavit has exposed Landiwe Ntlokwana, a former auditor and financial coordinator for Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, as a key figure in a multi-million rand investment scheme — and strongly suggests she is using her testimony under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act in a strategic bid to escape prosecution. According to the affidavit, Ntlokwana managed investor data, tracked payments, and even used her company's bank account — GTT Wealth (Pty) Ltd — to receive millions of rands from individuals drawn into Bushiri's now-notorious commodities investment platform. Her phone, she claims, was used by multiple committee members as the central point of contact for investor communication. 'The committee and I continued our administrative duties as described previously. My phone continued being passed around for whoever wanted to focus on that function,' she said. With a strong background in Microsoft Excel, Ntlokwana took responsibility for consolidating all investor information into a single master file, which she says was used by the IT team for internal reporting and to generate investor statements. The affidavit details the rapid expansion of the scheme and growing unrest within the church community. Ntlokwana describes how popularity surged beyond South Africa's borders, leading to complaints from international followers of Bushiri's Enlightened Christian Gathering Church who felt excluded from the opportunity. 'They started saying what was the point of belonging to a community where only a select few can participate in empowerment initiatives,' she said. These concerns, she claims, were taken directly to response, Ntlokwana says Bushiri called a closed-door meeting with her and five other women in his inner circle — Gladness, Rosemary, Shirley, Jumoke, and Memory. During the meeting, Bushiri announced the launch of a new investment round: Commodities Trade Cycle 3. This phase, however, was exclusive to high-net-worth individuals, with a minimum investment of R1 million. Despite her corporate background at firms like Grant Thornton and Allan Gray, Ntlokwana admits there were no formal contracts governing her role. Legal experts find this highly questionable. 'She's not an amateur. She knows how finance works,' said a senior investigator. 'The absence of contracts and the use of her company account are not rookie mistakes — they point to direct involvement.'Under Section 204, an accused may be granted immunity in exchange for full and truthful testimony. ''But such a deal hinges on credibility — something that could be Ntlokwana's biggest hurdle.'She handled the money, the records, and the investor lists,' the investigator continued. 'Now she's trying to claim she was just assisting — but this affidavit proves she was in control.' With Bushiri still in Malawi and his extradition proceedings stalled, Ntlokwana's testimony could close the case but she if found to be self-serving or unreliable, the prosecution could be left with little to stand on
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Leaked Bushiri case affidavit puts witness at risk, warns NPA
Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, are facing extradition to South Africa to stand trial on multiple serious charges, including fraud and rape Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court during their bail application on 4 November 2020. Picture: Jacques Nelles The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed serious concern over the leak of a confidential affidavit belonging to a key state witness in the fraud and money laundering case involving self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his co-accused. The NPA said the affidavit forms part of the documents in the case docket that was disclosed to the defence for the accused to prepare for their trial. Witness endangering NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana slammed the leaking of the document which contains the witness's full personal details and even her photograph published by a media outlet 'It is very concerning as this leaked affidavit has the potential to compromise the state's case. It also endangers the life of the state witness because her full details, including a photo of her, were published in the media,' she said. Mahanjana said the case was set down for trial to commence on 14 October 2024, almost a year ago. 'However, the case has been met with numerous interlocutory applications by some of the accused attempting to delay the trial. None of these interlocutory applications were successful. Despite all these applications, the state has always maintained its readiness to start with the trial,' Mahanjana said. ALSO READ: Bushiris file application to set aside ruling ordering extradition to SA Media houses She urged media houses to exercise restraint and act in the public interest without compromising legal processes or endangering individuals involved in the case. 'We therefore urge the media to be responsible when exercising their mandate to produce news to keep the public informed to do so without jeopardising the rights of the witnesses who will be called to testify.' Mahanjana did not disclose whether an investigation into the source of the leak is underway. Bushiri's Bushiri and his co-accused face at least six charges, including rape, violating bail conditions and contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, Banking Act, Civil Aviation Act and Immigration Act. Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, fled to Malawi in November 2020, after being granted bail of R200 000 each under strict conditions by the Pretoria Central Magistrate's Court. The case is set down for trial on 4 August 2025. ALSO READ: Bushiri celebrates reduced charges, but can they be reinstated? Malawi's attorney general explains
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Bushiri Likely to Avoid Extradition as Documents Go Missing in Malawi — Accountant Faces Perjury Claims
Sifiso Mahlangu | Updated 6 hours ago Controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri may never face justice in South Africa after key extradition documents mysteriously vanished in Malawi. The development has cast serious doubt over the upcoming September hearing, raising fears that the prophet — who fled the country while out on bail in 2020 — could permanently escape prosecution. At the same time, his former accountant, Landiwe Ntlokwana, is at the centre of a legal storm of her own. Once a trusted insider in Bushiri's financial operations, she now faces possible charges of perjury and defeating the ends of justice. South African authorities have been trying to extradite Bushiri and his wife Mary since they violated their bail conditions and escaped the country under murky circumstances. They face multiple charges, including fraud and money laundering. The extradition case was due to be heard in Lilongwe's High Court in September. But reports suggest the documents required to proceed with the case have gone missing from court files — a development some legal observers believe is no coincidence. Bushiri's lawyers have argued in court that the disappearance of the papers is not just a bureaucratic mishap but a deliberate obstruction that could halt the entire extradition process. Meanwhile, Bushiri has continued to enjoy warm relations with Malawi's political elite. He has received praise from senior government officials, including the Minister of Civic Education and National Unity, who also recently honoured Bushiri's wife for her 'positive role in national development.' While the extradition effort stalls, new controversy has erupted in South Africa involving Bushiri's former financial officer, Landiwe Ntlokwana. The 42-year-old chartered accountant was once closely involved in managing the finances of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church and Bushiri's now-infamous Commodities Trading Platform, which prosecutors allege was used to defraud investors of millions. Initially arrested alongside Bushiri in 2021, Ntlokwana maintained her innocence and kept a low profile for years. But in a sudden turn, she has now submitted an affidavit indicating she intends to cooperate with the prosecution. The detailed statement outlines how she joined Bushiri's organisation, believing in his mission, and became part of the administration team behind the church's financial schemes. The civil society group Right to Justice has called on prosecutors to formally charge Ntlokwana with perjury and obstruction. The group says her decision to come forward now — after remaining silent for four years — is both suspicious and potentially damaging to the integrity of the legal process. 'It is deeply concerning that she remained silent all this time,' said Siphesihle Jele, the group's chairperson. 'Now, she wants to flip the script. We believe she withheld crucial information, and only revealed it now when it suits her.' Jele added that if Ntlokwana is using her testimony as a way to escape prosecution while implicating others, she should be investigated thoroughly. Legal experts point out that under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, an accused person can be granted immunity if their testimony significantly contributes to a conviction. But Right to Justice argues that Ntlokwana's sudden cooperation could be a calculated move to avoid jail. Her credibility will now be under intense scrutiny. Prosecutors will need to weigh the value of her insider knowledge against the risk of relying on someone who, until recently, was also under criminal investigation. Meanwhile, Bushiri remains defiant. In recent social media posts, he dismissed his critics as 'jealous politicians' and claimed that his church had created thousands of jobs while uplifting the poor. With extradition efforts faltering and a key former insider now under fire, the case surrounding Bushiri continues to grow more complex and more political.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Bushiri Likely to Avoid Extradition as Documents Go Missing in Malawi — Accountant Faces Perjury Claims
Controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri may never face justice in South Africa after key extradition documents mysteriously vanished in Malawi. Image: Dimpho Maja/Independent Media Controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri may never face justice in South Africa after key extradition documents mysteriously vanished in Malawi. The development has cast serious doubt over the upcoming September hearing, raising fears that the prophet — who fled the country while out on bail in 2020 — could permanently escape prosecution. At the same time, his former accountant, Landiwe Ntlokwana, is at the centre of a legal storm of her own. Once a trusted insider in Bushiri's financial operations, she now faces possible charges of perjury and defeating the ends of justice. South African authorities have been trying to extradite Bushiri and his wife Mary since they violated their bail conditions and escaped the country under murky circumstances. They face multiple charges, including fraud and money laundering. The extradition case was due to be heard in Lilongwe's High Court in September. But reports suggest the documents required to proceed with the case have gone missing from court files — a development some legal observers believe is no coincidence. Bushiri's lawyers have argued in court that the disappearance of the papers is not just a bureaucratic mishap but a deliberate obstruction that could halt the entire extradition process. Meanwhile, Bushiri has continued to enjoy warm relations with Malawi's political elite. He has received praise from senior government officials, including the Minister of Civic Education and National Unity, who also recently honoured Bushiri's wife for her 'positive role in national development.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. 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The 42-year-old chartered accountant was once closely involved in managing the finances of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church and Bushiri's now-infamous Commodities Trading Platform, which prosecutors allege was used to defraud investors of millions. Initially arrested alongside Bushiri in 2021, Ntlokwana maintained her innocence and kept a low profile for years. But in a sudden turn, she has now submitted an affidavit indicating she intends to cooperate with the prosecution. The detailed statement outlines how she joined Bushiri's organisation, believing in his mission, and became part of the administration team behind the church's financial schemes. The civil society group Right to Justice has called on prosecutors to formally charge Ntlokwana with perjury and obstruction. The group says her decision to come forward now — after remaining silent for four years — is both suspicious and potentially damaging to the integrity of the legal process. 'It is deeply concerning that she remained silent all this time,' said Siphesihle Jele, the group's chairperson. 'Now, she wants to flip the script. We believe she withheld crucial information, and only revealed it now when it suits her.' Jele added that if Ntlokwana is using her testimony as a way to escape prosecution while implicating others, she should be investigated thoroughly. Legal experts point out that under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, an accused person can be granted immunity if their testimony significantly contributes to a conviction. But Right to Justice argues that Ntlokwana's sudden cooperation could be a calculated move to avoid jail. Her credibility will now be under intense scrutiny. Prosecutors will need to weigh the value of her insider knowledge against the risk of relying on someone who, until recently, was also under criminal investigation. Meanwhile, Bushiri remains defiant. In recent social media posts, he dismissed his critics as 'jealous politicians' and claimed that his church had created thousands of jobs while uplifting the poor. With extradition efforts faltering and a key former insider now under fire, the case surrounding Bushiri continues to grow more complex and more political.
The Star
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Bushiri twist: NGO goes for accountant as she turns State witness
Sifiso Mahlangu | Published 2 hours ago The non-governmental organisation Right to Justice has called for perjury and obstruction of justice charges against Landiwe Ntlokwana, the accountant of controversial preacher Shepherd Bushiri, after the leak of her affidavit in the ongoing fraud case. Ntlokwana, initially one of the accused in the 2021 case, has since indicated a shift to state witness status, raising serious questions about the timing of her testimony and the integrity of the legal process. The NGO's concerns centre around the potential implications of Ntlokwana's sudden decision to cooperate with the prosecution after four years of silence. Right to Justice argues that this move could undermine the case and believes Ntlokwana should be investigated for perjury, given the inconsistencies and omissions within her affidavit. They assert that her actions may have been aimed at shielding *Bushiri* while implicating other co-accused.'It's deeply concerning that Ntlokwana has remained silent all this time,' said Siphesihle Jele, chairperson of Right to Justice. 'Now, she wants to flip the script, claiming to be a state witness when she could have spoken out years ago. We believe she is guilty of perjury and defeating the ends of justice by withholding crucial information and only revealing it now when it suits her.' The case in question involves allegations of financial misconduct and fraud, dating back to 2021, surrounding Bushiri's church and his Commodities Trading Platform. Ntlokwana's affidavit, which provides detailed accounts of her role, has caused an uproar due to the timing of its submission, as it comes after the prosecution has struggled to secure a conviction in the case. In the affidavit, Ntlokwana reveals that she was recruited by Bushiri to assist with the Commodities Project, noting that she believed in him as a prophet and was motivated by his promise of helping others. 'I believed that he was a prophet of God... I truly believed that he was going to help the people and myself the way that other businessmen had never done,' Ntlokwana states in the affidavit. She further explains that she was actively involved in the administration of the Commodities Trading Platform, admitting: 'I put my hand up to serve in the Administration Committee for the Commodities Trading Platform.' This admission has raised questions about her level of involvement in the operation and whether she was complicit in any illicit activities during her leak of the affidavit has also prompted allegations that Ntlokwana's decision to cooperate with the prosecution could be a strategic move to distance herself from potential criminal liability while helping the state strengthen its case. Under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, an accused person can turn state witness in exchange for immunity if their testimony is crucial in securing a conviction. However, Right to Justice argues that Ntlokwana's actions should be scrutinized, especially given the long delay in her cooperation. The NGO questions why she waited for four years to reveal what she now claims to know. They contend that this delay could be an attempt to obstruct justice by withholding critical evidence that could have led to earlier proceedings. 'If Ntlokwana was truly acting in the interest of justice, why didn't she speak up when the case began in 2021?' asked Jele. 'Her recent decision to turn state witness seems more like a tactic to exonerate herself while implicating others. This is a clear violation of the principles of fairness and transparency in legal proceedings.' Right to Justice insists that the authorities investigate whether Ntlokwana's actions constitute perjury and obstruction, and they are calling for her to be charged accordingly. The organization is also urging the prosecution to explain why it has allowed a previously accused individual to shift roles in such a significant manner and whether this could undermine the integrity of the entire case.
