Criticism as Bushiri's supporters kneel, pray and cry 'I want my daddy'

05 February 2019 - 09:15 By Odwa Mjo

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Supporters of Enlightened Christian Gathering Church leader Shepherd Bushiri came out in their numbers to support him.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi/The Sunday Times

Controversial church leader Shepherd Bushiri received much criticism on social media as his followers cried, prayed and shouted for his release outside the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, February 4.

Video footage of his supporters kneeling, praying and crying outside the court trended on Twitter as many criticised Bushiri's influence over his supporters.

Bushiri and his wife Mary were arrested last week in Rustenburg on charges relating to fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

"We are who we are because of Major Prophet Bushiri," one of his supporters said.

A #Bushiri follower, who is dressed like a disciple, is heard shouting: “I want my daddy.” @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/bhrNqktANW
— Iavan Pijoos (@iavanpijoos) February 4, 2019

Bushiri done brainwashed these people.
— Tau (@Amo_Mufasa) February 5, 2019

Honestly trying to get to Bushiri's followers is not gonna work, we just have to pray for them at this point.
— Far Q (@Sindi_Mutshidzi) February 5, 2019

What kind of a man is this!? Crying for a small boy, calling him papa. #Bushiri pic.twitter.com/me74J1a8yZ
— isaac (@ikemak75) February 5, 2019

Comrades and Compatriots, we really need to pray for those followers of Bushiri. They seriously need our prayers. 😢😢😭
— Vincent Seloane🇿🇦 (@AfrikamineGlob) February 5, 2019

Bushiri followers!💔💔
— Sbulele Malgas (@Ntshozi) February 5, 2019

Bushiri followers: Fire, fire the devil is a liar. God send fire
God: pic.twitter.com/OnL4EknqhE
— Bulawayo Child (@Shado_Shadoe) February 5, 2019

#Bushiri has trained the congregation to love him not God 😭💔 https://t.co/tIOOcN3lDI
— Malavi Mapimele (@Malavi_Mapimele) February 5, 2019

Dear bushiri followers.
Jesus was arrested for preaching the gospel.

Peter was arrested for preaching the gospel.

Paul was arrested for preaching the gospel.

Bushiri is arrested for fraud and... https://t.co/QdPQr0si9E
— devbanda (@devbanda1) February 5, 2019

Bushiri Followers, are brain washed on another level no wonder, many of our people do stupid things for their pastors. all in the name of God though they fear their Pastor's above God.
— #Ntsagwini🍃🍂 (@MalumBanda) February 5, 2019