Omotoso released after home affairs mistake 

By Anita Dangazele

• Pastor Timothy Omotoso walked free after home affairs failed to bring him to court on time.

• There were clashes between EFF members and Omotoso’s followers before a closed hearing.

Pastor Timothy Omotoso has been released from custody after a legal mistake by the Department of Home Affairs.

Omotoso was arrested on Saturday in East London’s central business district. He appeared in the East London Regional Court on charges related to breaking the Immigration Act.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, Omotoso was let go because Home Affairs did not follow the correct legal steps.

“He was supposed to appear in court within 48 hours, but that deadline passed at 7am on Monday,” said Tyali.

Before the hearing, supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) clashed with Omotoso’s followers outside the court. The matter was then heard behind closed doors, with the media barred from entering.

Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed that the pastor was arrested on Saturday morning for immigration violations.

Omotoso, along with Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were acquitted of over 32 charges by the Gqeberha High court in April. They faced serious charges including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking — all said to have taken place mostly in Durban, Nigeria and Isreal.

Judge Irma Schoeman said the state did not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. She added: “In my view, the explanations of the accused are improbable and I don’t subjectively believe them.”

Despite the ruling, the NPA announced on Tuesday that it plans to challenge the decision. It said a team of senior prosecutors reviewed the case and also sought legal advice from senior counsel before deciding to appeal.

The Department of Home Affairs is expected to respond to questions about its role in the release.

Pictured above: Pastor Timothy Omotoso.

Image source: Anita Dangazele