Bushiri loses R50 million jet after the North Gauteng High Court granted the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) permission to sell the luxurious aircraft. The Bombardier Challenger 604, valued at R50 million and parked at Lanseria Airport, is now officially slated for sale as part of ongoing efforts to recover assets linked to suspected financial crimes.
The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the NPA’s crackdown on assets allegedly acquired through unlawful means by fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri. The ruling, handed down by Judge Sulet Potterill on March 26, allows the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit to proceed with the sale, with proceeds held in a trust until Bushiri’s criminal trial concludes.
NPA Strengthens Case as Bushiri Loses R50 Million Jet
The NPA’s case rests on the argument that Bushiri used his company, Shepherd Bushiri Investments (SBI), to disguise the true ownership of the aircraft. By doing so, authorities claim Bushiri deliberately obscured the trail of money used for the purchase, making it harder for investigators to link the jet to proceeds of crime.
Shamila Batohi, National Director of Public Prosecutions, said the decision “ensures accountability for financial crimes and secures unlawfully obtained assets,” stressing the importance of transparency and legality in high-profile financial investigations.
The court documents further revealed that Bushiri, through an affidavit, stated the funds used to acquire the jet came from “gifts and cash donations” collected during church services. However, the NPA dismissed this explanation, asserting that the funds were never properly audited and showed glaring inconsistencies.
Forensic Analysis Reveals Flawed Financial Records
According to the NPA’s court submission, Bushiri’s defense relied on a spreadsheet that lacked any financial credibility. “The document was not prepared by someone with a financial background,” the court filing stated. “No corroborating evidence was attached, and the reconciliation lacked accuracy.”
The NPA further argued that the Reserve Bank had been misled with false representations, with Bushiri claiming the funds were from legitimate church donations. Based on this evidence, the prosecution insists that the aircraft was purchased through proceeds of crime, particularly involving money laundering.
“On the balance of probabilities, the acquisition of the aircraft involved unlawful activities,” the application reads. “By structuring the purchase through SBI, the crime of money laundering was committed.”
Bushiri Loses R50 Million Jet Amid Wider Asset Probe
The forfeiture of the jet is just the beginning of the NPA’s broader strategy to recover suspected illicit assets tied to Bushiri. Authorities are actively targeting a wider range of his holdings, including luxury vehicles, real estate, and multiple bank accounts.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that the authority had filed further applications related to Bushiri’s finances but declined to comment on the specific details. Nonetheless, the loss of the R50 million jet is being seen as a substantial victory for prosecutors.
“This shows that even high-profile individuals cannot evade justice forever,” said a legal analyst observing the case.
Bushiri and Wife Face Extradition Following Jet Ruling
The court ruling comes shortly after a major international legal breakthrough. On March 5, a Malawian magistrate’s court ruled in favor of South Africa’s extradition request for Bushiri and his wife, Mary. The couple had fled to Malawi in 2020 after being granted bail in South Africa on several charges.
Their extradition case has now gained momentum, with Malawi’s judiciary agreeing that there is enough legal basis to return the couple to South Africa. Charges they face include fraud, money laundering, rape, and violations of aviation, financial, and immigration laws.
South Africa’s Department of Justice applauded the ruling, calling it a “significant milestone in international legal cooperation” and a “reaffirmation of the rule of law.”
Government Praises Progress as Bushiri Loses R50 Million Jet
In a statement, the South African government welcomed the decision by the North Gauteng High Court, asserting that the ruling represents an essential step in combating financial crimes and restoring confidence in the justice system.
“This ruling reflects the strength of our institutions,” the statement read. “We are committed to ensuring that those who violate the law are brought to justice, regardless of their social or religious standing.”
As Bushiri loses R50 million jet, the case sends a clear message that the misuse of religious platforms for financial enrichment will not go unchecked. The sale of the jet is expected to generate substantial funds that could be directed toward victim compensation or reinvestment in anti-corruption efforts.
