NPA slams leak of state witness affidavit in Bushiri case
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed serious concern over the leak of a confidential affidavit belonging to a key state witness in the high-profile fraud and money laundering case involving self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and several co-accused.
The leaked document, which reportedly contains the witness's full personal details and even her photograph, has been published by a media outlet — a move the NPA says could compromise the safety of the witness and the integrity of the trial.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that the affidavit is part of the case docket shared with the defense during the disclosure process, which is required by law to allow accused persons to prepare for trial.
"It is very concerning as this leaked affidavit has the potential to compromise the state’s case,” said Mahanjana.
“It also endangers the life of the state witness because her full details, including a photo of her, were published in the media."
The trial, which was originally set to begin on 14 October 2024, has faced multiple delays due to interlocutory applications brought by some of the accused.
According to the NPA, none of those applications have succeeded, and the prosecution remains ready to proceed.
The matter is now scheduled to go to trial on 4 August, nearly a year after the original start date.
Mahanjana urged media houses to exercise restraint and act in the public interest without compromising legal processes or endangering individuals involved in the case.
"We therefore urge the media to be responsible when exercising their mandate to produce news to keep the public informed — to do so without jeopardizing the rights of the witnesses who will be called to testify."
Bushiri and his co-accused face a string of serious charges including fraud, theft, and money laundering related to an investment scheme that allegedly defrauded followers of his church of millions of rands.
The leak raises fresh questions about the security of sensitive court documents and the possible misuse of material intended solely for legal defense preparation.
The NPA has not confirmed whether an investigation into the source of the leak is underway.
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