Timothy Omotoso ‘leaving SA today'
He was on Tuesday released by the East London Magistrates' Court after his latest arrest.
Televangelist Timothy Omotoso in the dock of the Port Elizabeth High Court. Picture: ANA
Controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso is reportedly planning to leave South Africa on Sunday.
Omotoso was arrested on several charges, including rape, racketeering and human trafficking, but was acquitted by the Gqeberha High Court last month.
He was expected to leave shortly after that verdict but instead tried to relaunch his ministry. He was arrested last weekend by Home Affairs and the police for allegedly being in the country illegally.
He was on Tuesday released by the East London Magistrates' Court, pending an appeal against the charge.
While the NPA plans to haul him back to court in an appeal against his acquittal on the rape, racketeering and human trafficking charges, reports claim he could be dashing out of the country before they do.
Sunday World and SABC News were among several publications and broadcasters that said he would leave from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday.
This has not yet been independently confirmed.
ALSO READ: Nigerian pastor Omotoso 'illegally in SA' and set to be deported
Battle to making him leave
Home Affairs had attempted to deport him after declaring him a prohibited person
'The arrest follows the decision of the Minister of Home Affairs to reject the application submitted by Omotoso in terms of section 8(7) of the Immigration Act that sought to overturn the earlier decision of the Department of Home Affairs to declare Omotoso as a prohibited person.
'Omotoso earlier challenged his status as a prohibited person in court, and the court held that his status should be remitted back to the Department for reconsideration.
'After carefully reconsidering the matter, the Minister upheld the decision to declare Omotoso as a prohibited person,' the department said last week.
This is a developing story
NOW READ: 'The system has failed us': Omotoso victims speak out following acquittal
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