Brief victory for Bushiri followers

Judge Justice Rannowe has ruled that the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church (ECG) in Botswana be allowed to operate until such a time when authorities issues a documented directive that stipulates otherwise. He made this ruling at the Gaborone High Court this morning after the church appealed a supposed directive for police to shut down the church with immediate effect. “The first respondents should not close the applicant’s church based on the circumstances of this matter unless there is express authority from the second respondent for them to do so. This application is therefore withdrawn,” he stated. Thatayaone Noke of Noke Attorneys represented the applicant, while G Begani, BG Mosweu and KM Tshebo represented the respondents. The Enlightened Christian Gathering Church (ECG) will operate in Botswana until such a time when the Registrar of Societies issues a directive that stipulates otherwise.