Nigerian Televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso was found not guilty of Rape and Human Trafficking Charges.
In a highly publicized trial, Nigerian televangelist pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, we're not found guilty of all charges, including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The verdict was handed down by Judge Irma Schoeman of the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
Omotoso, the leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, was arrested in April 2017 and had been in custody since then.
The case against him and his co-accused included allegations of racketeering, human trafficking, and sexual assault. The prosecution claimed that Omotoso and his co-accused recruited and trafficked victims, who were then subjected to rape and sexual assault.
In her ruling, Judge Schoeman stated that the state had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
She noted that while the explanations provided by the accused were improbable, the prosecution's cross-examination was of "poor quality" and failed to challenge the accused's testimony effectively. As a result, Judge Schoeman ruled that Omotoso and his co-accused were not guilty and discharged them on all charges.
The verdict has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many expressing disappointment and frustration with the South African justice system and how it works.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr. Xola Nqola, has called for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to explain the weaknesses in the case presented.
The verdict comes just weeks after the murder of a key witness, Pamela Mabini, who was shot and killed outside her home in Gqeberha.
Mabini was a main witness in the case and had been providing support to other witnesses. The motive behind her shooting remains unclear, and authorities have launched an investigation and murder case.
The acquittal of Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing cases of rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault.
As the NPA and other stakeholders grapple with the implications of this verdict, many are left wondering about the fate of justice for the victims and their families.
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