Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Acquitted After Eight-Year Trial
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape – After nearly eight years of legal proceedings, the High Court in Gqeberha has acquitted Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused of all charges, which included racketeering, human trafficking, rape, and sexual assault.
The 63-year-old leader of Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, along with Lusanda Sulani (41) and Zikiswa Sitho (33), had been at the center of a high-profile case that sparked nationwide attention.
Judge’s Ruling and Trial Observations
Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, Judge Irma Schoeman carefully outlined the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
“Although there are aspects of the complainants’ testimonies that are unsatisfactory, I cannot find their evidence to be incredible. However, I also cannot reject the evidence of the accused as false,” she stated.
The judge further noted that the prosecution’s cross-examination of the defense had not sufficiently tested their evidence, which played a crucial role in the verdict.
Background and Allegations
Omotoso was known as “the man of God” and led JDI, a church with major branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel, with its headquarters in Durban. The case alleged that his co-accused assisted in recruiting congregants, employees, and others under false pretenses of spiritual and personal growth.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), complainants were allegedly flown to Durban, Israel, or Nigeria, where they were subjected to strict house rules, including:
• No cell phone use
• No contact with male companions
• Obligations to follow Omotoso’s instructions
The prosecution claimed that Omotoso selected women to visit his private quarters, where he allegedly sexually assaulted them.
Prosecution’s Response and Case Challenges
Despite the State’s confidence in its evidence, the court ruled that it did not meet the threshold for conviction. The lengthy trial was plagued by delays, legal challenges, and concerns over procedural fairness.
NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali acknowledged the setback but reiterated the importance of pursuing justice in such cases.
A Case That Captivated South Africa
The Omotoso trial became a landmark case in South Africa’s fight against human trafficking and sexual violence. The verdict, while bringing closure to the legal proceedings, leaves a lasting impact on the broader conversation around justice for survivors and the role of religious institutions in society.
