Mongezi Koko2 April 2025 | 9:36

Pastor Timothy Omotoso acquitted on all charges of rape, human trafficking

Omotoso was arrested in 2018 on multiple charges, including sexual assault, human trafficking, and racketeering.

Pastor Timothy Omotoso acquitted on all charges of rape, human trafficking

Rape-accused Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused have been acquitted on all charges, including rape, racketeering, human trafficking, and assault. Picture: Sipha Kema

JOHANNESBURG - Nigerian televangelist, Pastor Timothy Omotoso, has been acquitted on all 32 charges of rape and human trafficking in a shock verdict handed down at the Gqeberha High Court.

Omotoso was arrested in 2017 on multiple charges, including sexual assault, human trafficking, and racketeering.

The pastor, along with his co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, both senior members of his church, stood before the same court on Wednesday morning and will now walk free after a legal battle spanning nearly eight years.

The trial, one of the most high-profile sexual abuse cases in recent years, was marred by repeated delays, including changes in legal representation, judicial recusals, and several attempts by Omotoso’s defence team to have the case thrown out.

The State presented harrowing testimony from survivors, detailing how Omotoso allegedly used his position to manipulate young women into sexual acts, some as young as 14 years old.

Despite this, the court found that the State did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, further adding that the witness statements were unsatisfactory, subsequently ruling in his favour, acquitting him on all charges.

The verdict has already sparked outrage from women’s rights groups, who argue that justice has not been served.