SARS Targets Bushiri's TV Channel with R100m Tax Bill Amidst Ongoing Legal Battles
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has slapped controversial prophet Shepherd
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| Prophet Bushiri Facebook page |
Bushiri's television channel, Prophetic Channel, with a massive tax bill of over R100 million. This development comes amidst Bushiri's ongoing legal battles, including a fugitive status and extradition proceedings.
Bushiri, who fled South Africa and returned to Malawi despite being on bail and awaiting trial for money laundering and fraud, faces charges of unpaid taxes, including company tax, value-added tax, administrative penalties, skills development levy (SDL), and unemployment insurance fund (UIF).
SARS applied for a judgment against the channel in the Johannesburg High Court, alleging unpaid taxes. The revenue service had initially demanded R17 million in May last year, but the amount has since ballooned to over R100 million.
Bushiri's channel has yet to comment on the matter, but the news has sparked widespread interest and calls for accountability in the religious sector. The controversial pastor has been accused of preying on poor people and selling "miracle oil." His church was shut down in Botswana for claiming money could be summoned out of nothing.
The SARS tax bill adds to Bushiri's mounting legal troubles, which include extradition proceedings initiated by South Africa for Malawi to hand over Bushiri. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and if he doesn't present himself to court, he will forfeit his residence in South Africa.
