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The Citizen
5 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
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Acsa ramps up security after hand grenades bypass OR Tambo screening
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) says it is taking decisive action after a serious security breach at OR Tambo International Airport that saw two training hand grenades bypass security screening and arrive in Ethiopia. The incident came to light after Ethiopian Airlines discovered the devices during baggage screening at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The passenger had departed from OR Tambo, raising red flags about security lapses at South Africa's busiest airport. 'Acsa was formally notified of the incident by Ethiopian Airlines, in line with international aviation protocols, after the items were detected during reverse baggage screening upon arrival,' said Acsa in a statement on Thursday. 'In accordance with national regulatory procedures, Acsa subsequently reported the matter to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).' The grenades had made it through the hold baggage screening (HBS) area, which Acsa says is operated by Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS), a third-party entity controlled by airline associations. 'ACS claims that the responsibility for HBS rests with the airlines. Acsa's position, which is also shared by SACAA, is that Acsa, as the licensed aerodrome operator, is responsible for conducting HBS services on behalf of the state,' Acsa said. Acsa says it has terminated ACS's services, citing legal and contractual irregularities. 'ACS has no legal basis or contract to carry out HBS services. Moreover, ACS is operating contrary to public procurement legislation.' Acsa said the matter has been reported to the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit and the auditor-general. It said ACS had accepted responsibility for the breach and taken disciplinary action against the employee involved. Acsa also revealed that ACS has been operating without a formal contract since it took over HBS services in 1998 under what Acsa termed 'questionable circumstances'. 'ACS operates on an evergreen basis with no contract and is not an entity recognised in any civil aviation legislation. Its operations are contrary to the constitution, the Public Finance Management Act, National Key Points Act, the ACSA Act, and the Civil Aviation Act and regulations,' said the airport operator. Despite Acsa's efforts to take over the HBS service directly and issue a tender for equipment, ACS obtained a court interdict blocking the move pending a judicial review of Acsa's decision. Acsa has since been granted leave to appeal but a date for the hearing is yet to be determined. In the meantime, Acsa says it has ramped up security measures in partnership with various state and law enforcement agencies, including the State Security Agency. police crime intelligence, Border Management Agency and Ekurhuleni Metro Police. 'These include increased surveillance across critical zones, joint planning and oversight forums and ongoing training to mitigate the risk of recurrence,' the company said. 'Acsa reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all passengers and airport users. We continue to work closely with all relevant airlines and authorities to resolve operational risks and safeguard the integrity of South Africa's national aviation infrastructure,' they said.
Scotsman
22-06-2025
- Scotsman
Drunk off-shore worker abused cabin crew on Edinburgh-bound flight and used vape and mobile phone
A drunk off-shore oil worker smoked a vape and abused easyJet cabin crew after finding out his partner had dumped him. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Kevin Devine downed drinks at an Italian airport and on board a flight to Edinburgh before acting aggressively towards air stewards after learning his long term partner was leaving him. The oil and gas worker shouted and swore, refused to fasten his seatbelt when requested to and made a telephone call during the flight from Catania, Sicily to Edinburgh Airport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He also repeatedly gesticulated and adopted an aggressive demeanour towards three members of the cabin crew while on board the easyJet aircraft on September 27 last year. Shocked staff were forced to alert the police to Devine's rowdy behaviour and after landing at the Scottish capital officers boarded the plane and arrested the drunk 52-year-old. Devine pleaded guilty to three offences under The Air Navigation Order and Civil Aviation Act when his case called at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month and sentence was deferred to last Thursday, June 19. The court was told Devine, from Dundee, had been excused attendance at the hearing as he is currently out of the country for several months working off-shore with the oilfield services company Saipem. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kevin Devine from Dundee downed drinks at an Italian airport and on board a flight to Edinburgh before acting aggressively towards air stewards. | Alexander Lawrie Sheriff Thomas Welsh agreed to deal with the matter in his absence and sentenced the North Sea quality control co-ordinator to pay a total fine of £1475 to mark the offences. Devine, who also owns the real estate firm Devine Property Holdings Ltd, had been returning home after several weeks away when the ship he had been working on dropped him off at Sicily. While waiting on his flight at the island's Catania Airport the father of two telephoned his partner who told him she was leaving him and didn't want to see him on his return to Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He was said to have become upset and began drinking alcohol in the airport lounge before continuing to down drinks while travelling home onboard the easyJet flight. The off-shore engineer then became aggressive towards cabin crew after they warned him to stop using his vape and not to make telephone calls during the flight. Devine refused instructions to secure his seatbelt on take off and landing and shouted and swore at cabin crew members Colin Robinson, Lauren Hannah and Demi Gardner. A passenger who witnessed the drunken outburst said Devine had been 'a complete nightmare' during the flight. They said: 'The guy didn't seem too drunk when we took off but he began drinking during the flight and soon became abusive towards the crew. He was using his vape on a good few occasions, which was a complete disregard for all the other passengers, and was also on his phone to someone. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'He seemed quite upset about something and was shouting and swearing at the easyJet staff who had politely asked him to stop. The crew tried to take the vape off him but he wouldn't hand it over and they just didn't have any choice but to inform the police about his behaviour. 'He totally deserved to be arrested when we landed in Edinburgh and to be honest he was a complete nightmare during the flight.' Devine pleaded guilty to charges of being drunk on board the flight and failing to obey commands issued by the pilot and cabin crew, refuse to secure his seatbelt, make a telephone call and use a vape on board the aircraft, and refusing to hand over the vape to the crew. He also admitted to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing and acting aggressively, all while on board the easyJet flight between Catania, Sicily, and Edinburgh Airport on September 27 last year.
Edinburgh Live
22-06-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Drunk easyJet flyer smoked vape and abused cabin crew 'after partner dumped him'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A drunk off shore oil worker smoked a vape and abused easyJet cabin crew after finding out his partner had dumped him. Kevin Devine downed drinks at an Italian airport and on board a flight to Edinburgh before acting aggressively towards air stewards after learning his long term partner was leaving him. The oil and gas worker shouted and swore, refused to fasten his seatbelt when requested to and made a telephone call during the flight from Catania, Sicily to Edinburgh Airport. He also repeatedly gesticulated and adopted an aggressive demeanour towards three members of the cabin crew while on board the easyJet aircraft on September 27 last year. Shocked staff were forced to alert the police to Devine's rowdy behaviour and after landing at the Scottish capital officers boarded the plane and arrested the drunk 52-year-old. Devine pleaded guilty to three offences under The Air Navigation Order and Civil Aviation Act when his case called at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month and sentence was deferred to last Thursday, June 19. The court was told Devine, from Dundee, had been excused attendance at the hearing as he is currently out of the country for several months working off shore with the oilfield services company Saipem. Sheriff Thomas Welsh agreed to deal with the matter in his absence and sentenced the North Sea quality control coordinator to pay a total fine of £1,475 to mark the offences. Devine, who also owns the real estate firm Devine Property Holdings Ltd, had been returning home after several weeks away when the ship he had been working on dropped him off at Sicily. While waiting on his flight at the island's Catania Airport the father of two telephoned his partner who told him she was leaving him and didn't want to see him on his return to Scotland. He was said to have become upset and began drinking alcohol in the airport lounge before continuing to down drinks while travelling home onboard the easyJet flight. The off shore engineer then became aggressive towards cabin crew after they warned him to stop using his vape and not to make telephone calls during the flight. Devine refused instructions to secure his seatbelt on take off and landing and shouted and swore at cabin crew members Colin Robinson, Lauren Hannah and Demi Gardner. A passenger who witnessed the drunken outburst said Devine had been 'a complete nightmare' during the flight. They said: 'The guy didn't seem too drunk when we took off but he began drinking during the flight and soon became abusive towards the crew. 'He was using his vape on a good few occasions, which was a complete disregard for all the other passengers, and was also on his phone to someone. 'He seemed quite upset about something and was shouting and swearing at the easyJet staff who had politely asked him to stop. 'The crew tried to take the vape off him but he wouldn't hand it over and they just didn't have any choice but to inform the police about his behaviour. 'He totally deserved to be arrested when we landed in Edinburgh and to be honest he was a complete nightmare during the flight.' Devine pleaded guilty to charges of being drunk on board the flight and failing to obey commands issued by the pilot and cabin crew, refuse to secure his seatbelt, make a telephone call and use a vape on board the aircraft and refuse to hand over the vape to the crew. He also admitted to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing and acting aggressively, all while on board the easyJet flight between Catania, Sicily, and Edinburgh Airport on September 27 last year.
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Bushiris file application to set aside ruling ordering extradition to SA
The couple fled to Malawi in November 2020. 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 Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, have filed a review application to set aside the judgment ordering their extradition to South Africa. The Bushiris filed their application before the High Court of Malawi in Lilongwe on Wednesday. They claim they weren't given a chance to be heard, violating natural justice principles. Hearing In papers before the high court in Malawi, the controversial couple claim they weren't given a chance to be heard, violating natural justice principles They argued the chief magistrate erred in law by breaching the fundamental principles of natural justice. 'The applicants humbly but firmly pray for the quashing of the findings that the requesting State made out a case for extradition… setting aside of the order of committal.' In March, Malawi's Chief Resident Magistrate's Court ordered that the Bushiris be extradited following a request by South Africa. ALSO READ: Bushiri celebrates reduced charges, but can they be reinstated? Malawi's attorney general explains Charges They face at least six charges including rape, violating bail conditions, contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, Banking Act, Civil Aviation Act and Immigration Act. The couple fled to Malawi in November 2020, after being granted bail of R200 000 each under strict conditions in the Pretoria Central Magistrate's Court. ALSO READ: Cops detained Bushiri's lawyers for corruption, intimidation say Hawks 'Safety and security' At the time, Bushiri cited 'safety and security issues' for their actions. 'There have been clear and evident attempts to have myself, my wife and my family killed. Despite our several attempts to report to authorities, there has never been state protection,' he said. 'We have come to a painful conclusion that what my wife and I have faced in the Republic of South Africa since 2015 is purely persecution, not prosecution. 'What is shocking is that it was me who, in 2018, opened cases of extortion and intimidation against the officers who are, today, investigating, arresting and prosecuting me and my wife of these several allegations. Obviously, there can never be independence and impartiality. It's purely acts of open vengeance,' Bushiri said. The Malawian couple run a church known as Enlightened Christian Gathering with branches in various African countries. ALSO READ: Malawi court grants South Africa's request to extradite Shepherd Bushiri and wife
