By Rorisang Modiba
- Nigerian preacher Timothy Omotoso has been deported after immigration officers arrested him in East London on 10 May.
- He was found not guilty of more than 30 serious crimes. But after a mistake in the court led to his release, fights and protests broke out.
Controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso is being forced out of South Africa after nearly 10 years of court cases and public outcry.
The preacher, who started the Jesus Dominion International Church in Durban, chose to be deported after immigration officers arrested him in East London on 10 May.
The Department of Home Affairs had already declared him a prohibited person, saying his presence in the country was illegal.
Omotoso had recently been acquitted of 32 serious charges — including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking — by the Gqeberha High Court. His co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were also cleared.
He was first arrested in 2017 after being hit with more than 90 charges linked to sex crimes and human trafficking. His arrest sparked national outrage and widespread protests.
But his latest run-in with the law didn’t go as planned for the authorities.
After being arrested for violating immigration laws, the Department of Home Affairs failed to bring him to court within 48 hours — a legal requirement.
By Monday morning at 7am, 14 May 2024 Omotoso still hadn’t appeared in court, leading to his release.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that the delay meant he had to be let go.
Outside the court, tensions exploded as supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters clashed with Omotoso’s backers. Journalists were blocked from entering the court.
Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed Omotoso had been arrested for immigration violations.
Meanwhile, the Home Affairs department admitted its mistake and said it would correct the issue.
Even though the court acquitted him and his co-accused, Judge Irma Schoeman said their version of events didn’t sound believable — but noted the state had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The NPA has said it will appeal the ruling and has brought in senior prosecutors to review the matter.
Pictured above: Pastor Timothy Omotoso.
Image source: File
