Nigerian pastor acquitted of rape after eight years in South African jail
A Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, has been acquitted of all charges after spending eight years in a South African prison. Omotoso, the leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church in Port Elizabeth, was accused of sexually assaulting young women who were members of his congregation. However, a South African court ruled him not guilty, citing serious procedural failures by prosecutors that ultimately compromised the integrity of the case.
The high-profile trial, which was broadcast live on national television, captivated South Africans and reignited discussions about sexual violence, justice, and the effectiveness of the country’s legal system. Omotoso faced a total of 32 charges, including allegations that he raped a 14-year-old girl. His accusers, many of whom were young women from his church, claimed that he used his position of power to manipulate and abuse them. The case gained further attention due to South Africa’s ongoing struggle with gender-based violence, an issue that has led to widespread protests and calls for reform.
During the verdict announcement on Wednesday, the presiding judge emphasized the serious mishandling of the case by the prosecution. The judge noted that critical errors, including the failure to cross-examine Omotoso effectively and other procedural missteps, weakened the prosecution’s arguments. In response, South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) acknowledged these shortcomings and stated that the case had not been handled properly by former prosecutors. The NPA now intends to review its legal options, though it remains unclear if further action will be taken.
The lengthy duration of the trial was attributed to numerous legal challenges and appeals made by Omotoso’s defense team. He was initially arrested in 2017 in a dramatic incident at an airport while attempting to leave South Africa. His detention and the subsequent trial became one of the most significant rape cases to be aired live in a country with high rates of sexual violence. The decision to televise the proceedings sparked broader debates about the impact of media coverage on legal outcomes, judicial impartiality, and the rights of victims.
Following his acquittal, Omotoso expressed gratitude to God, stating that he had maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. His co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also cleared of all charges. According to reports from South African media outlet News24, Omotoso is now set to be deported to Nigeria, marking the end of a controversial and widely followed legal battle.
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