Nigerian televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso has been acquitted of more than 60 s+x-related charges after spending eight years in prison. The Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha cleared him and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, of multiple charges, including r+pe, s+x\al a+sa¥lt, and human tr@ff+cking.
Omotoso, leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church, will be deported to Nigeria immediately.
Originally facing 63 charges, the trio saw their case reduced to 32 counts in October 2023 after 31 charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence. In her ruling, Judge Irma Schoeman criticized the prosecution’s handling of the case, stating that the State failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
She highlighted the prosecution’s weak cross-examination, calling it “shallow” and ineffective in challenging the accused’s testimonies. Schoeman also pointed out serious irregularities by former lead prosecutor Nceba Ntelwa, who allegedly encouraged witnesses to commit perjury and failed to properly handle key legal definitions.
Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso has not been found guilty of all rape, sexual assault and human trafficking charges.
The judgment was handed down on Wednesday at the Gqeberha High Court.
Omotoso, alongside his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were facing 32
charges.
The case, which was plagued by legal battles and emotional testimonies, had dragged on for eight years before the judgment could be handed down.
“I am of the view and in light of all the circumstances of the case that the state has not proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused are found not guilty and are discharged of all the charges,” said Judge Irma Schoeman.
