KEY POINTS
- Uphold bodies have condemned the manner in which authorities handled Omotoso’s rape case to show systemic deficiencies.
- A report regarding the trial outcome has been delivered to Minister Kubayi while she commits to take action against detected problems.
- Lawmakers will start an investigation to understand why the justice system failed so it can stop such issues from recurring.
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi at Justice and Constitutional Development received an official report from NDPP Shamila Batohi about the not guilty verdict given to Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso.
The NDPP provider a detailed report to Kubayi after she directed them last week. Three watchdog bodies have expressed criticism following the acquittal – these watchdog bodies include the Cultural Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Commission along with the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
Omotoso Acquittal led to inquiry into systemic justice failures
After Timothy Omotoso received his acquittal on 32 rape and human trafficking charges the three Chapter 9 institutions launched an inquiry to examine how the justice system failed. The Eastern Cape High Court pointed out bad prosecutorial behavior during the cross-examinations in its ruling that freed Omotoso alongside Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho.
Chairperson of CRL Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva voiced worry about how the ruling rejects GBV prevention initiatives while she stressed that the justice system should rectify its deficiencies.
Expert witnesses shall provide information while the examination will evaluate all phases from the beginning to the final acquittal. The GBVF victims have shown diminished willingness to report incidents following this outcome of Omotoso Acquittal according to Mkhwanazi-Xaluva.
Minister’s response and NPA engagement
The National Prosecuting Authority Act Section 33(a) enabled Kubayi to command Batohi into writing a comprehensive report. Director Mthunzi Mhaga confirmed that the NDPP followed through on the request as the NPA leadership maintains discussion with three Chapter 9 institutions.
Kubayi declared that she received the report and dedicated her upcoming Monday session toward a discussion of its contents.
