By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
Nigerian televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso has been acquitted of all charges, including rape and human trafficking, by the High Court in Gqeberha, South Africa.
The verdict, delivered on April 2, 2025, comes nearly eight years after his initial arrest in April 2017.
Omotoso, 66, along with his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, faced multiple charges related to allegations of sexual offenses and human trafficking.
The trial experienced numerous delays over the years, leading to a reduction in the number of charges from the initial 63 to 32, as some witnesses chose not to testify.
In her ruling, Judge Irma Schoeman stated that the State failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
She criticized the quality of the State’s cross-examination, describing it as “shallow and lacking the intention to uncover the truth.”
Following the acquittal, Omotoso is expected to be deported to Nigeria.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had expressed commitment to ensuring the case’s finalization, aiming for justice for the victims.
However, the prolonged duration of the trial and the withdrawal of some witnesses impacted the proceedings.
This verdict brings to a close a protracted legal battle that has attracted significant public and media attention over the years.
