Govt. clashes with Bushiri’s followers
Contrary to assertions by a movement called Major 1 Sons and Daughters of Bushiri that Prophet Shepherd Bushiri is coming to Botswana on May 27, Immigration director Mabuse Pule says that he has not applied for visa as per requirement. In an interview with Botswana Guardian on Wednesday, Pule said that the youthful prophet who operates Enlightened Christian Gathering in Pretoria has not submitted any application to enter the country for his mega crusade. This contradicts what Sons and Daughters of Bushiri (in Botswana) movement Coordinator Moemedi Baikalafi said.
He confirmed this week to this publication that ‘everything is in place for Major 1 to come and he has applied and been granted a visa.’ He said Bushiri has said it himself that he is coming to Botswana. “We talk to him. We know he is coming and the national stadium will be packed. It’s a fact! People will be here as early as 6pm. Major 1 has told us that he will be here for the all-night prayer only and return to the headquarters in Pretoria on Sunday morning,” he said.
According to Baikalafi, the movement was formed in 2014 in Pretoria when Bushiri started his church. It has over 1000 Batswana members. The objective is to support his ministry and to also do his outreaches. As a norm, he says they travel to ECG every Friday as some of Batswana are stewards, serving in the church in Pretoria.
But for Pule, the movement is a bunch of misinformed people. “I’m the chairperson of the Visa committee. I know everything. Bushiri has not applied. He still has to apply, provided the 14 days have not elapsed,” he said, refusing to reveal the reasons why Bushiri must apply for a visa.
Pule said that there is no way Bushiri can enter the country without following the right procedure. While the prophet’s detractors say he should fly to Botswana or make a miracle visa for himself to show his supernatural powers, Pule says the Law is above everything. “Even if he flies, where is he going to land? We don’t just own the land, but we also own the estate! He should abide by the laws,” he said. Immigration minister Edwin Batshu told BG News the purpose of the visa is to monitor Bushiri’s movements while in the country.
He told Botswana Guardian that he was not aware that Bushiri had been granted a visa, however saying he is not a Prohibited Immigrant. “Did he apply? I don’t know but please check with Immigration office. He isn’t a PI in any case,” he said.
