Nigerian Televangelist Freed After Eight-Year Legal Battle of Rape Case in South Africa
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the leader of Jesus Dominion International in Port Elizabeth, who is a Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, has been acquitted of all 32 charges of rape and human trafficking after spending eight years behind bars in South Africa.
OTN News further reports that the verdict, delivered earlier this week, found the prosecution’s case deeply flawed, citing misconduct and inadequate cross-examination.
OTN News recalls that the Nigerian televangelist has always denied the allegations, which involved young women from his congregation.
Meanwhile, the case first gripped the nation in 2018 when a witness claimed she was raped by Omotoso at just 14 years old.
OTN News further recalls that the Nigerian televangelist was arrested at the airport in 2017 as he allegedly tried to flee the country, only intensified public scrutiny.
However, the judge’s ruling hinged on the finding that the prosecutors mishandled the case, leading to an unfair trial. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that “former prosecutors in the case acted improperly and the accused were not sufficiently cross-examined by the state.”
The NPA has stated it will “consider its legal options” in light of the verdict.
The NPA also attributed the trial’s lengthy duration, in part, to numerous legal challenges filed by Omotoso throughout the proceedings.
Following his acquittal, Omotoso expressed his gratitude, telling the media, “I thank God for the verdict.” His co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, who faced related charges, were also found not guilty.
Notably, OTN News observes that it was the first prominent rape case in the country to be broadcast live, raising complex questions about victims’ rights, judicial impartiality, and the role of media in courtroom proceedings.
The live broadcast of the trial underscored the nation’s struggle with rampant sexual violence and prompted critical discussions about the balance between transparency and the potential impact on victims and the fairness of the judicial process.
The verdict has however, ignited widespread debate and raised concerns about the handling of sexual assault cases within the South African justice system.
The acquittal has also led to public outcry from activist groups who advocate for victims of sexual violence.
According to reports from South African media outlet News24, Omotoso will now be deported to Nigeria.
The implications of this high-profile case are expected to resonate within South Africa’s legal and social spheres for years to come, prompting calls for reforms in the prosecution of sexual offenses.
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