SIU uncovers R181m visa fraud network linked to Shepherd Bushiri’s SA residency

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s unlawful stay in South Africa revealed through Home Affairs bribes

Explosive findings by South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have exposed an alleged corruption network within the Department of Home Affairs, with investigators detailing how immigration processes were manipulated, including in the case of controversial preacher Shepherd Bushiri.

According to the SIU, a whistleblower alerted authorities to a scheme in which foreign nationals allegedly entered South Africa, fraudulently secured asylum seeker permits, and later used those documents to apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship.

Investigators described what they called a “nefarious syndicate” operating within Home Affairs.

The group allegedly consisted of officials tasked with lawfully processing and adjudicating visa applications but who instead engaged in systemic corruption and illicit enrichment.

“Officials are selling citizenship to fund a luxurious life,” the SIU stated, revealing that four officials, each earning less than R25,000 per month, received a combined total of R16,313,327 in direct deposits.

The probe has so far traced more than R181 million in financial benefits linked to beneficiaries of fraudulent visa applications supported by fake documentation.

Bushiri’s immigration status forms a key part of the investigation. The SIU alleges that he exploited weaknesses in the system by leveraging influence, church networks and fabricated documents to secure permanent residency.

His Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) was reportedly approved by an adjudicator who was a member of his church, ECG Ministries, a relationship investigators flagged as a clear conflict of interest.

His application was also backed by a fraudulent letter of financial independence signed by a Chartered Accountant who allegedly admitted he was paid simply to provide his signature.

Investigators further revealed that Bushiri cited the purchase of an aircraft as proof of financial independence.

However, the SIU found that $1.2 million in cash was paid from his Non-Profit Company at Lanseria Airport, raising concerns about potential money laundering and the misuse of religious donations.

The investigation paints a broader picture of how church structures were allegedly used to facilitate questionable transactions.

Associates are said to have drafted and submitted supporting documents, while funds from congregants were allegedly rerouted into personal accounts under descriptions such as “tithe” or “seed.”

Some payments flowing between ministry-linked accounts and private companies were reportedly disguised as purchases for “Crossover T-shirts.”

The SIU also established that Bushiri held directorships in 14 companies and owned multiple properties in Pretoria.

Investigators concluded that “religious donations were converted into bricks, mortar, and corporate shares,” suggesting that faith-based contributions were channelled into personal assets and business interests.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to unravel what appears to be a deeply entrenched system of immigration fraud and financial misconduct.