South African Court Acquits Nigerian Pastor of R@pe After Eight Years in Jail

A South African High Court in the Eastern Cape has acquitted Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso of rape charges after spending eight years in prison. The court ruled that the state failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Omotoso, the senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International in Durban, was arrested in April 2017 upon arrival at a South African airport. He faced a 32-count charge, including rape and human trafficking, alongside co-defendants Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho. Several young women had accused him of luring them to his home in Umhlanga, where they alleged he sexually assaulted them.

Judge Irma Schoeman, delivering the verdict, ruled in favor of Omotoso, citing insufficient evidence. Following the acquittal, News24 reported that Omotoso will be deported to Nigeria immediately.

Omotoso is also the founder of Tim Omotoso Global Outreach and Ancient of Days Broadcasting Network. His trial, which spanned several years, attracted significant public attention in South Africa.