The NPA has registered its first victory in the case against fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri after obtaining a court order legitimising the seizure of his private jet stationed at Lanseria airport.

News24 reports that Gauteng High Court (Pretoria) Judge Sulet Potterill granted the preservation order against Bushiri on 26 March, further authorising the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit to sell the aircraft and proceeds should be held in a trust account pending the finalisation of the criminal case.

Prosecutors last month supplemented proceedings against Bushiri by filing the latest application at the same court that sought to secure the continuous aircraft as the criminal case against him unfolds as they believe that the aircraft was instrumental in his illegal dealings in SA. 

The judgment read: ‘The NDPP is authorised to appoint National Aircraft Corporation as its representatives to sell the aircraft.’

According to the initial application, prosecutors have uncovered that Bushiri had disguised the registration of the aircraft, opting to use his entity Shepherd Bushiri Investments. 

‘It will be submitted that Bushiri cannot be a party to the proceedings merely because he is the director of SBI, the same applies to Mary (Bushiri's wife).

‘For these reasons, it will be submitted that Bushiri does not have locus standi to be heard in this matter that his opposition must be dismissed with costs,’ read the application.

The contentious aircraft was bought by Bushiri in 2019 and has an estimated value of R50m. 

News24 notes that Bushiri explained that the source of the funds used to purchase the aircraft was gifts received during church services and other cash donations.

Full News24 report