KEY POINTS
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Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso was deported from South Africa after his acquittal on 32 charges, including rape and human trafficking, sparked national outrage.
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He was rearrested on immigration violations and voluntarily deported, with a five-year ban on re-entry.
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South Africa’s NPA plans to appeal the verdict, while activists say the acquittal undermines efforts to fight gender-based violence.
Nigerian televangelist and pastor Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa following a highly controversial acquittal that ended a nearly decade-long legal saga.
Timothy Omotoso, who spent eight years in prison facing charges of rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, left South Africa on May 17 after being declared a “prohibited person” by the Department of Home Affairs.
His removal comes just weeks after the Port Elizabeth High Court cleared him of 32 serious charges, a ruling that triggered national backlash and renewed debate over South Africa’s handling of sexual abuse cases, particularly those involving religious figures.
“This is a failure of the justice system,” said an advocate for survivors of abuse. “Eight years of testimonies, and the survivors are left with no justice.”
AAN TV reports that Public anger escalated further after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced its intention to appeal the verdict, signaling that the case may not be entirely closed despite Omotoso’s departure.
Timothy Omotoso: Deportation follows re-arrest and immigration violation
Timothy Omotoso was rearrested on May 10—less than two weeks after his acquittal—on charges unrelated to the trial. According to the Department of Home Affairs, Omotoso’s presence in the country was unlawful, and his visa had long expired during his prolonged detention.
“Following his acquittal, we initiated a review of his immigration status. It was clear he no longer had legal grounds to remain in South Africa,” said a spokesperson from the department.
Authorities gave Omotoso the option of voluntary deportation, which he accepted. He departed from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on a flight to Lagos, Nigeria. The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that Omotoso is banned from re-entering South Africa for a period of five years.
The controversial pastor’s legal troubles began in 2017 when he was arrested at a Durban airport. Several women, many of whom were teenagers at the time of the alleged crimes, accused Omotoso of using his church—Jesus Dominion International—as a front for coercing them into sexual acts under the guise of spiritual mentorship.
The trial was marked by numerous delays, legal technicalities, and challenges involving witness testimonies. During this period, Omotoso remained in custody while the case slowly made its way through the judicial system. His defense had long argued that the charges were baseless and politically motivated.
Despite the court’s decision, human rights activists and women’s rights organizations have criticized what they view as systemic shortcomings that allowed a high-profile figure accused of serial abuse to walk free.
“It sends the wrong message to victims of gender-based violence,” said Thandi Mzolo, a legal rights advocate in Johannesburg. “It discourages survivors from coming forward.”
Omotoso has yet to issue a public statement from Nigeria, and it remains unclear whether he intends to continue his ministry there. Meanwhile, South African authorities are preparing their legal documents for the appeal process, which they hope will be fast-tracked.
“This case is not over,” said an NPA spokesperson. “We are committed to ensuring justice is pursued to the fullest extent.”
