NPA's Batohi orders full report on Omotoso acquittal
Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, were cleared of rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault charges following a trial that stretched over eight years.
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 - National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss, Shamila Batohi, has ordered a full report on the controversial acquittal of Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, following widespread criticism of the prosecution's handling of the case.
Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, were cleared of rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault charges following a trial that stretched over eight years.
But the Eastern Cape High Court found prosecutors failed to present a strong case and didn't properly cross-examine witnesses.
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Batohi has requested a detailed account from the Eastern Cape director of public prosecutions, Barry Madolo, along with a transcript of the trial, as she studies the judgment and decides on the next steps.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has also stepped in, giving the NPA until Monday to explain whether procedural failures led to Omotoso walking free.
She's invoked section 33 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, demanding a full report from Batohi on why prosecutors couldn't secure a conviction in a case that gripped the nation.
"I have given the NDPP until Monday the 7th [of April] to give me the report on this matter, and we will take it forward from there."
The judge in the case, Irma Schoeman, raised serious concerns about the manner in which the case was prosecuted, a blow to the NPA, which has faced growing scrutiny over its handling of high-profile sexual offence cases.
The NPA said it would review the judgment to determine whether there were grounds for an appeal.
But for now, the clock is ticking and pressure is mounting.