South Africa's government has announced its intention to pursue an appeal against the acquittal of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, who was found not guilty of multiple rape charges.
South Africa to Challenge Acquittal of Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso
South Africa to Challenge Acquittal of Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso
Authorities plan to appeal after the pastor's not-guilty verdict in rape charges, despite his departure from South Africa.
South African authorities are moving forward with an appeal against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was recently acquitted of 32 counts of sexual assault. The pastor, known for leading the Jesus Dominion International Church, was cleared of charges in April but is now facing renewed legal scrutiny as South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) plans to challenge the judgment. Although Mr. Omotoso is reportedly en route to Nigeria after leaving OR Tambo International Airport, the NPA has indicated that it can proceed with the appeal without him present.
The pastor was first arrested in 2017 while attempting to leave South Africa, and his trial gained notoriety as the first high-profile rape case to be broadcast live in the country. Among his accusers is a woman who alleged that she was raped by him at the age of 14. After his acquittal, while he is now outside the country, local reports state that if the appeal is successful, South African authorities would seek to extradite him under an existing treaty with Nigeria.
Despite the NPA's acceptance that Mr. Omotoso's acquittal allows his departure from South Africa, it noted potential immigration issues could arise, adding that he might face a five-year ban from re-entering the country. Mr. Omotoso's church operates not only in South Africa but also in various other countries, including the UK, France, and Israel. The case remains a focal point of discussions around sexual violence and accountability in South Africa.
The pastor was first arrested in 2017 while attempting to leave South Africa, and his trial gained notoriety as the first high-profile rape case to be broadcast live in the country. Among his accusers is a woman who alleged that she was raped by him at the age of 14. After his acquittal, while he is now outside the country, local reports state that if the appeal is successful, South African authorities would seek to extradite him under an existing treaty with Nigeria.
Despite the NPA's acceptance that Mr. Omotoso's acquittal allows his departure from South Africa, it noted potential immigration issues could arise, adding that he might face a five-year ban from re-entering the country. Mr. Omotoso's church operates not only in South Africa but also in various other countries, including the UK, France, and Israel. The case remains a focal point of discussions around sexual violence and accountability in South Africa.
