After nearly eight years of incarceration, Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been acquitted of all charges by the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha, South Africa. Omotoso, along with his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, faced 32 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering.
The trial, which began in 2017, was marked by numerous delays and legal challenges. Judge Irma Schoeman, in her ruling, stated that the prosecution failed to prove the defendants' guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. She criticized the quality of the prosecution's cross-examination, noting that it was superficial and lacked the intent to reveal the truth. While expressing skepticism about the defense's narrative, she emphasized that the burden of proof rested with the prosecution.
Omotoso was arrested by the South African priority crimes unit, Hawks, on April 20, 2017, at Port Elizabeth International Airport. He is alleged to have groomed his victims and began molesting them from the age of 14.
Following the acquittal, the court ordered Omotoso's immediate deportation to Nigeria. The ruling has elicited mixed reactions, with supporters celebrating the decision, while victims’ advocates expressed dismay, underscoring broader concerns about addressing sexual violence in South Africa.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) acknowledged the challenges faced during the trial, including delays that led some witnesses to withdraw from giving evidence. The NPA stated that the prosecuting team would review the verdict and consider potential legal options.
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