In a surprising turn of events, Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, along with his co-accused Zikiswa Sitho and Lusanda Sulani, has been found not guilty of multiple serious charges, including rape and human trafficking. The verdict was delivered by Judge Irma Schoeman at the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, bringing an end to a lengthy legal battle that has captured public attention for nearly eight years.
Omotoso, who has spent the last eight years in prison, was initially arrested in April 2017 at the Port Elizabeth International Airport. He faced a total of 32 charges, which included not only rape but also racketeering and the trafficking of young women who attended his church, Jesus Dominion International. The case had drawn significant media coverage, particularly due to the nature of the allegations and the age of some of the alleged victims, who were reportedly as young as 14 years old.
During the trial, the prosecution presented harrowing testimony from survivors, detailing how Omotoso allegedly exploited his position as a religious leader to manipulate and abuse young women. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the testimonies from the victims were compelling yet deemed insufficient by the court. Judge Schoeman noted that while there were aspects of the complainants' evidence that were unsatisfactory, she could not dismiss their accounts as credible either. "I am of the view that although there are aspects of the complainants that are unsatisfactory, I cannot find that their evidence is credible," she remarked.
Despite the troubling nature of the allegations, Schoeman's ruling hinged on technical grounds. She pointed out that the prosecution had failed to adequately cross-examine the accused, and there were significant procedural errors made by former prosecutors involved in the case. "Due to the uncertainty of the actions of the state and the lack of proper cross-examination, I cannot find that the accused versions are so improbable that they cannot reasonably possibly be true," Schoeman stated. As a result, the court found that the state had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the not guilty verdict.
This decision has left many, including the victims, feeling disillusioned. Cheryl Zondi, one of the most vocal survivors, expressed her disappointment outside the court. "Our lives have never been the same after coming out about this," she said, tears in her eyes. "The main concern was not even knowing what he did to us but knowing that he is not going to stop doing it. He is going to continue doing this to other women and other girls. This is enabling for him. He is going to be more pompous and believe that this is an act of God."
Omotoso's alleged methods of manipulation included grooming his victims and arranging for young women to travel to his hotels in Durban, Israel, or Nigeria. According to NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, once the complainants arrived at these locations, they were subjected to strict house rules, including turning off their cellphones and refraining from contacting male companions. The women were reportedly kept in one room and were told to abide by Omotoso's instructions, which allegedly included being selected to go to his private bedroom where he would commit sexual acts against them.
The NPA has indicated that it will be reviewing the judgment to determine if there are any legal avenues left to pursue in light of the verdict. Tyali emphasized the organization's commitment to justice for the victims, stating, "The NPA does not seek to secure conviction at all costs, but it remains committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims of crime and will go to all lengths to give a voice to the victims by exploring all the possible avenues."
The public reaction to the verdict has been overwhelmingly critical, with many expressing outrage over the perceived failure of the justice system to protect vulnerable individuals. The case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of religious leaders and the need for greater accountability in institutions that hold significant power over their congregants.
As the dust settles on this high-profile case, questions remain about the implications of the court's ruling for the victims and the broader societal issues surrounding abuse and exploitation. Advocates for survivors are calling for reforms to ensure that such cases are handled with the seriousness and sensitivity they deserve, while also emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations and cross-examinations in legal proceedings.
In the wake of this verdict, many are left wondering what the future holds for Omotoso, who, despite his acquittal, faces a tarnished reputation and ongoing scrutiny. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in prosecuting sexual crimes, particularly when power dynamics and manipulation are at play.
As the community grapples with the implications of the judgment, the voices of the survivors remain crucial in advocating for change and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. The fight for justice continues, as many believe that the system must do better to protect those who are most vulnerable.
