The State is insisting that the self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, his wife, Mary, and three other co-accused will flee if they are granted release on bail.
The five are facing money laundering and fraud case to the tune of R102 million.
Their case was heard again on Friday in the Pretoria Magistrates Court.
The State prosecutor presented an affidavit to the court in which the investigating officer detailed reasons why Bushiri and their co-accused were flight risks.
The officer indicated that it would be very difficult to re-arrest them if they evade.
“They are applying to be released on bail.”
“I oppose this application on grounds as set out in Section 60, sub-section 4, A to C, that there is a likelihood that the accused will evade trial if released on bail.”
It also came to the limelight that accused number one, Willah Mudolo, tried to flee the country several times.
The State also added that Bushiris legal team allegedly paid R500,000 to State witnesses.
It was further revealed that the money came from the couple’s bank account.
A withdrawn rape case against Bushiri was also the focus of attention.
