{"id":23651,"date":"2026-02-25T09:14:40","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T07:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=23651"},"modified":"2026-02-25T09:14:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T07:14:40","slug":"siu-exposes-r181m-visa-scam-tied-to-shepherd-bushiris-residency-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/siu-exposes-r181m-visa-scam-tied-to-shepherd-bushiris-residency-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"SIU Exposes R181m Visa Scam Tied to Shepherd Bushiri’s Residency in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prophet Shepherd Bushiri\u2019s unlawful stay in South Africa revealed through Home Affairs bribesRecent revelations from South Africa\u2019s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have uncovered an alleged corruption scheme within the Department of Home Affairs, illustrating how immigration protocols were compromised, particularly in the controversial case of preacher Shepherd Bushiri.<\/p>\n

The SIU reported that a whistleblower prompted investigations into a fraudulent operation where foreign nationals reportedly entered South Africa and obtained asylum seeker permits deceitfully, later using these permits to request permanent residency and ultimately citizenship.<\/p>\n

According to investigators, the operation involved a “nefarious syndicate” within the Home Affairs department.<\/p>\n

The group was reportedly composed of officials responsible for the legal processing of visa applications, who instead participated in corrupt activities for personal gain.<\/p>\n

\u201cOfficials are selling citizenship to fund a luxurious life,\u201d the SIU noted, revealing that four officials, each earning under R25,000 monthly, had received a total of R16,313,327 through direct deposits.<\/p>\n

Thus far, the investigation has managed to trace over R181 million in illicit financial gains linked to beneficiaries of fraudulent visa applications supported by fabricated documents.<\/p>\n

Bushiri\u2019s residency status is a focal point of the inquiry. The SIU claims he took advantage of system vulnerabilities by utilizing influence, church connections, and forged documentation to secure permanent residency.<\/p>\n

His Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) was said to have been approved by an adjudicator affiliated with his church, ECG Ministries, raising serious concerns about a conflict of interest.<\/p>\n

Additionally, his application was accompanied by a counterfeit letter indicating financial independence, allegedly signed by a Chartered Accountant who confessed to being compensated merely for his signature.<\/p>\n

In a notable claim, Bushiri used the acquisition of an aircraft as proof of financial self-sufficiency.<\/p>\n

However, the SIU discovered a payment of $1.2 million in cash was made from his Non-Profit Company at Lanseria Airport, prompting suspicions about possible money laundering and the exploitation of religious donations.<\/p>\n

The investigation suggests a wider pattern of how church structures may have been utilized for dubious financial transactions.<\/p>\n

Associates are reportedly responsible for preparing and submitting supporting documents, while funds contributed by church members were allegedly funneled into personal accounts under designations such as \u201ctithe\u201d or \u201cseed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Payments associated with ministry-related accounts and private enterprises were said to be masked as purchases of \u201cCrossover T-shirts.\u201d<\/p>\n

The SIU also found that Bushiri was involved in the management of 14 companies and owned numerous properties in Pretoria.<\/p>\n

Investigators concluded that \u201creligious donations were converted into bricks, mortar, and corporate shares,\u201d implying that contributions intended for spiritual purposes were redirected into personal and business assets.<\/p>\n

The investigation continues as authorities pursue insights into what appears to be an ingrained system of immigration fraud and financial irregularity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n