The Port Elizabeth High Court has dismissed a bid by Pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused to appeal a decision to allow his rape trial to continue to be heard in Port Elizabeth.
It is unclear when the State will start calling witnesses to testify in the sex trafficking trial against controversial Pastor Timothy Omotoso and two others.
On Tuesday, Judge Irma Schoeman denied an application questioning whether the court had the jurisdiction to deal with the numerous charges against them.
The defence raised an objection, questioning whether the Port Elizabeth High Court had the authority to preside over alleged offences in areas outside of the city.
It remains unclear when witnesses will be called to testify in fresh proceedings in the sex trafficking trial of Pastor Timothy Omotoso.
Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and two women face a string of charges, including human trafficking, rape and racketeering.
Their trial had to start from scratch after the previous judge presiding over the matter recused himself.
This after the matter was postponed on Tuesday when lawyers brought an application to compel the state to provide more details around the charges.
Judge Irma Schoeman has been appointed to preside over the trial in the Port Elizabeth High Court after Judge Mandela Makaula recused himself.
The matter resumes in the Port Elizabeth High Court on Tuesday and proceedings are likely to start afresh.
Cheryl Zondi addressed the media on Tuesday after it was revealed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that the trial against Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused will likely have to start afresh.
Cheryl Zondi, one of the young women who have accused controversial pastor Timothy Omotoso of rape, said that she is willing to take the stand again if she needs to. Zondi was the first to testify against Omotoso and his two co accused. During the trial, Zondi, who gave a detailed explanation of what she says she experienced as a member of Omotoso’s church, faced tough cross-examination from Omotoso’s lawer Peter Daubermann, forcing the presiding judge to reprimand Daubermann.
Cheryl Zondi is briefing the media in the wake of the judge's recusal from the Timothy Omotoso trial.
Judge Mandela Makaula told the court it's in the interest of justice that he recuses himself.
They also wanted Judge Mandela Makaula to recuse himself as the trio believes they won't get a fair trial if he continues to preside over the matter.
Cheryl Zondi, one of the alleged rape victims of Pastor Timothy Omotoso, has launched her own foundation in support of women and children who have been sexually abused in ‘sacred spaces’.
Zondi, who has accused Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso of sexual assault, says that she has identified a gap for people to support victims of abuse at the hand of religious leaders.
Durban-based pastor Timothy Omotoso and two women are facing a string of charges including rape, racketeering and sexual assault.
