Founder of Enlightened Christian Gathering Church (ECG) Shepherd Bushiri and his wife have been released on R100 000 bail, spokesperson Maynard Manyowa has confirmed.

The couple stand accused of money laundering and fraud.

Bushiri, commonly referred to as “Major 1”, appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where throngs of supporters displayed posters in solidarity with their controversial leader.

His faithful congregants amassed outside court to demand his release, and that the charges be dropped.

On hearing of their pending release on bail, the hundreds of supporters lifted their hands to the sky and bowed to the ground. Chanting, dancing, praying and crying ensued.

-Times Live