Mongezi Koko2 April 2025 | 13:09

Pastor Timothy Omotoso on acquittal: 'I thank God, I give him all praise'

Omotoso and his co-accused, senior church members Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, were accused of luring female congregants to his church, forcing them to perform sexual acts and restricting their freedom to leave.

Pastor Timothy Omotoso on acquittal: 'I thank God, I give him all praise'

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 - After nearly eight years behind bars, Nigerian televangelist pastor Timothy Omotoso has welcomed a High Court verdict acquitting him of all charges of rape and human trafficking against him.

Tuesday’s verdict stunned both supporters of the pastor and critics.

Omotoso and his co-accused, senior church members Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, were accused of luring female congregants to his church, forcing them to perform sexual acts and restricting their freedom to leave.

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

The trial, which gripped the nation since 2018, saw the state present harrowing testimony from alleged victims, including claims that some were as young as 14 when the abuse began.

However, on Wednesday, the Gqeberha High Court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, citing contradictory testimony, weak evidence and procedural irregularities in its handling of the case.

Now 66 years old, Omotoso emerged from court a free man, expressing gratitude for his release.

“The only thing that I can say is that I thank God, I give him all praise. I am turning 67 in July. I have been in prison for eight years.”

Reaction to the verdict has been swift, with women’s rights groups decrying the outcome while Omotoso’s supporters celebrate his return.

NPA REVIEWING COURT RULING ON OMOTOSO

The National Prosecuting Authority says it is reviewing a High Court ruling on Omotoso as it decides the next move.

Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that previous prosecutors acted improperly and did not sufficiently cross-examine the accused, leading to the case collapsing. 

Witness fatigue also played a role, with some survivors refusing to testify after years of delays, leading to a reduction in charges from 63 to 32.

Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali says possible action might be taken against their prosecutors...

''It is for that reason that when the judgement is being studied, the leadership of the NPA will also see if there is action to be taken against the prosecutor against whom these accusations by the judge were made."

Tyali added that the prosecuting team would study the judgment before deciding whether to appeal or pursue other legal avenues.