Several South African government agencies have condemned the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who had been in detention for eight years on charges of rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Omotoso, alongside co-defendants Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, was discharged and acquitted by the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday after the prosecution mishandled the case.
Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that Omotoso, senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International in Durban, was not guilty, citing flaws in the prosecution’s case. “The accused were not sufficiently cross-examined by the state,” said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The acquittal has sparked widespread criticism from key South African agencies.
The Justice Committee, chaired by Xola Nqola, described the ruling as “totally unacceptable,” urging the NPA to explain the mishandling of the case.
The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities also criticized the decision, stating that it jeopardized public confidence in the country’s judicial system.
“The acquittal of Omotoso represents a judicial turning point, one that risks undermining the faith that survivors have in the legal system,” the department said.
Despite the ruling, the department vowed to continue its fight against gender-based violence (GBV), asserting, “The fight against GBV is far from over.”
The acquittal has also led to political calls for Omotoso’s deportation from South Africa, with the political group ActionSA urging that he be removed from the country following his release.
