Victims express anger, resolve after Nigerian televangelist’s acquittal
Key Points:
- Omotoso’s victims vow to keep fighting for justice after his acquittal.
- The SAHRC is investigating the case, while the NPA reviews legal options.
- Minister of Justice voices concern over the handling of the case.
Background of the Case
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Survivors of alleged sexual abuse by Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso spoke out after his recent acquittal. They condemned the decision and reaffirmed their resolve to seek justice.
“You violated our bodies, our trust, our safety, and our peace. You may think you’ve gotten away with it, but you haven’t, because we are still speaking the truth,” said Sarah Mofokeng, one of the victims. She spoke at a press conference hosted by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Emotional Reactions from the Victims
Mofokeng was joined by fellow accusers Hlubikazi Faleni, Neliswa Mxakaza-Makhubela, and Anele Mxhakaza. Together, they shared their pain and frustration after the Gqeberha High Court’s ruling.
The court acquitted Omotoso, 63, and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani, 41, and Zikiswa Sitho, 33, on charges of racketeering and sexual offenses. Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that the State failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. While the court deemed some witness testimony credible, the evidence was insufficient for conviction.
“This is not just a story of being hurt, it’s a story of surviving,” Mofokeng said. She added that while the trial’s outcome burdened them with trauma, it also strengthened their resolve. “We carry the pain every day, but we also carry strength.”
Next Steps and Legal Actions
Despite the legal setback, the victims vowed to continue their fight for justice. Mofokeng declared, “You don’t get to silence us.”
In response to the acquittal, the Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission announced it will investigate the matter. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is reviewing the judgment to explore possible legal avenues. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi expressed concerns over the case’s handling. She called the acquittal a setback in the fight against gender-based violence.
The minister’s spokesperson, Terrence Manase, said Kubayi had formally requested a detailed report from the National Director of Public Prosecutions. This report will help her understand the factors that led to the controversial conclusion of the case.
