South African Political organisation, ActionSA has called for the deportation of South Africa-based Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, following his acquittal on rape charges by the Gqeberha High Court.
Omotoso, along with his co-accused Lusandra Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were released on Wednesday April 2, 2025 after spending eight years in detention.
The 66-year-old Senior Pastor of Jesus Dominion International Church in South Africa, Omotoso, faced allegations of raping and trafficking young women, including members of the gospel group, Grace Galaxy and school-aged girls.
Arrested in 2017, Omotoso was charged with multiple offences, including sexual assault and human trafficking.
His church located in coastal city of Port Elizabeth was eventually shut down after angry crowds gathered around the building in protest.
According to IOL, a South African news outlet, the country’s National Prosecuting Authority is considering all possible options to ensure justice for the complainants.
The NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, explained that the prolonged legal proceedings had affected witness participation.
“The delay caused some witnesses to no longer want to proceed with giving evidence, as they indicated the have since moved on with their lives and are not interested in reliving their experiences in court”, Tyali stated.
Report also suggest that Omotoso will be deported to Nigeria following his acquittal, although no official confirmation has been provided.
Meanwhile, ActionSA, a political organization founded by former Johannesburg Major, Herman Mashaba, has called for Omotoso’s immediate removal from South Africa.
In a statement, the group condemned individuals who exploits faith for personal gain and insisted that Omotoso had no place in country.
-9News Nigeria.
