Bingu National Stadium (BNS) management has made a U-turn on its earlier decision to allow Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) to hold cross-over night prayers at the stadium on December 31, 2020.
According to a letter signed by the stadium’s Acting Manager Ambilike Mwaungulu, the decision to reject the request follows a thorough consultation with stakeholders which observed that holding of prayers at the stadium might contravene Covid-19 pandemic preventive measures.
“Despite communication that the number to attend be reduced, the event is most likely to attract people beyond even the normal capacity of the stadium,” reads the letter.
The letter has pointed out that the stadium will be undergoing maintenance in preparation for Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection in early January, 2021.
“At the time of CAF inspection management may not have enough time to restore the stadium to its normal status due to anticipated damages and losses during your function.
“It takes a long time for such damages or losses to be repaired or recovered respectively as seen from past experiences,” reads the letter.
Bushiri and his wife Mary are answering fraud and money laundering charges in South Africa.
The two are currently in Malawi, are facing interdiction orders from the South African government after escaping the country on alleged security threats.
