On April 2, 2025, the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha, South Africa, acquitted Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, of all charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering. The verdict concludes a protracted legal battle that began with Omotoso’s arrest in April 2017.
Timothy Omotoso, founder and senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International (JDI), was arrested by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, at Port Elizabeth International Airport in 2017. He faced multiple allegations from young women who claimed they were lured under the guise of spiritual mentorship and subsequently subjected to sexual exploitation. The charges initially numbered 97 but were later reduced to 32 due to various legal challenges and witness withdrawals.
The trial was marked by numerous delays, including changes in legal representation and allegations of prosecutorial misconduct. Defense attorney Peter Daubermann accused former state prosecutor Advocate Nceba Ntelwa of encouraging witnesses to commit perjury, claims that contributed to the court’s scrutiny of the prosecution’s conduct.
In delivering the verdict, Judge Irma Schoeman stated that while the explanations provided by the accused were improbable, the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. She noted deficiencies in the cross-examination of witnesses and procedural irregularities that undermined the state’s case.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressed disappointment with the outcome, indicating plans to review the judgment and consider possible legal avenues. NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali emphasized the authority’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence.
Eastern Cape’s Social Development MEC, Bukiwe Fanta, also voiced concern over the acquittal, highlighting the challenges faced by victims in the justice system and the broader implications for addressing gender-based violence in South Africa.
The acquittal of Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused brings to a close a high-profile case that has captivated public attention for nearly a decade. While the court’s decision underscores the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, it also raises critical questions about the efficacy of legal mechanisms in addressing complex cases of sexual exploitation and abuse.
