Latest news with #Omotoso
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Pastor Omotoso continues legal battle over cancelled crusade venue, mayor's statements in East London
The Jesus Dominion International Church in East London and Pastor Timothy Omotoso are continuing legal action against the Buffalo City metro after mayor Princess Faku ordered the cancellation of their booking at the Orient Theatre, where Omotoso was scheduled to lead a 'New Dawn' crusade. Although Pastor Timothy Omotoso has since left South Africa, Stuart Laubscher, the Nelson Mandela Bay metro based lawyer representing The Jesus Dominion International Church in East London said he was still taking instructions from his client and intended to proceed with legal action against the metro and mayor Princess Faku over the cancellation and events leading up to Omotoso's departure from the country. In April, Omotoso was released from prison after Judge Irma Schoeman acquitted him on several charges of human trafficking and sexual assault. The charges stemmed from allegations by several young female congregants, who claimed Omotoso had sexually assaulted them in a church residence in Durban. Judge Schoeman ruled that the State had failed to prove its case, citing, among other issues, its failure to properly cross-examine Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, and to lead corroborating evidence to strengthen the case of each witness. The National Prosecuting Authority has now taken the first steps to attempt to appeal this ruling and has asked for 'clarifications' on the ruling. Following his release from prison Omotoso relocated to East London where his church, Jesus Dominion International, was still active. At the beginning of May the church planned a 'New Dawn' crusade in the city led by Omotoso. For this purpose they rented the Orient Theatre in East London for R14,575. Faku, however, ordered that the booking be cancelled and said publicly that Omotoso wasn't welcome in the city. On 10 May, the second-last day of the crusade, Omotoso was arrested in a joint operation by immigration officials and the police pending his deportation. He was declared a prohibited person in South Africa. He was released from custody though to provide him with a chance to appeal this ruling, but then left the country of his own accord on 18 May. He has been banned from South Africa for five years and should he wish to return after that he must apply for his prohibition to be lifted, according to a statement by the Department of Home Affairs. Laubscher, however, said last week that Omotoso 'didn't have to leave South Africa' but did so of his own accord. He confirmed that he was awaiting instructions on how to proceed in taking legal action against the Buffalo City metro, for cancelling the church's booking and against Faku personally. He said in a letter that their case is that the municipality – including the mayor – acted outside the scope of its power by cancelling Jesus Dominion International's booking at the Orient Theatre and the church now wanted its deposit back. 'Pastor Omotoso was acquitted of all charges in the High Court in Gqeberha. The reason for his acquittal is at this stage of no importance or relevance. Under South African law he is innocent of all charges,' he said. 'The reason they advanced infringes upon our client's rights under the South African Constitution in various ways, which does not need any further explanation as it is glaringly obvious, including but not limited to their rights to religious freedom,' he added. He added that Omotoso's reputation was damaged by Faku's statements and the municipality's actions, and their contention was that the mayor and municipal officials have abused their power. 'There is a substantial claim against the municipality (and other parties) and we are just awaiting instructions to issue summons,' Laubscher said. In a letter addressed to the metro and Faku, Laubscher said the church's booking was cancelled without justification and this constituted a 'misuse of public office and authority'. 'The booking was paid for in full and received by the municipal officials in East London and was summarily cancelled by yourself and this constitutes a breach of contract,' the letter addressed to Faku reads. He added that his client wanted the reasons for the cancellation of the booking 'in writing and not via social media'.
Eyewitness News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Home Affairs tells Parly Omotoso can still be extradited at a later stage
CAPE TOWN - The Department of Home Affairs has told Parliament that Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso hasn't gotten away completely scot free and can still be extradited at a later stage. The department has also reiterated that he can still be charged by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in absentia and as an undesirable person in the country. Omotoso was deported to Nigeria on Sunday and is not permitted back for five years. ALSO READ: Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber and his department were briefing the committee on a range of issues, including dealing with undocumented children as well as legal cases involving the department. Home Affairs director general Livhuwani Makhode questioned the East London Magistrates Court decision to let Omotoso walk on immigration-related charges, saying his rearrest was done correctly. He also said the NPA is well within its rights to appeal the rape and human trafficking case against Omotoso in his absence because South Africa and Nigeria have an extradition agreement. He said the minister can waive his decision declaring Omotoso undesirable to face charges. 'In this case, it would be for that person to come and face the charges they might be brought into the country for. I think we do have a very good relationship with Nigeria through the extradition agreement that has been signed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation with the Republic of Nigeria.' Schreiber said Omotoso was in the country illegally and had to be deported despite facing an appeal.
eNCA
19-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Not in My Name welcomes Omotoso's deportation
JOHANNESBURG - Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso's, exit from South Africa has sparked strong reaction across the country. READ: Omotoso deported | But is justice served? Civic organisation, NotInMyName International has welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step in holding foreign nationals accountable for violating South African laws. The group says while most foreign nationals abide by the rules, those who exploit the system should be swiftly dealt with. They're now calling on law enforcement and immigration officials to ramp up efforts in identifying and deporting individuals who pose a threat to public safety. The organisation's Themba Masango discussed this with eNCA.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
NPA says appeal over Omotoso acquittal to proceed in his absence
Shamila Batohi, National Director of Public Prosecutions, has faced criticism in parliament over the handling of televangelist Timothy Omotoso's sexual assault trial. Image: Archives The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) say they will continue with legal proceedings against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso who was acquitted of rape last month, even though he has left the country. Omotoso, who denied the 32 charges against him, was accused of sexually assaulting young women from his church in Port Elizabeth. The Department of Home Affairs said Omotoso had flown to Nigeria from OR Tambo International Airport, with the department saying in a statement that he had been classified as an "undesirable person" and would not be able to return to the country for five years. Mthunzi Mhaga, spokesperson for the NPA, said the appeal against Omotoso's acquittal would proceed in his absence. 'An appeal process requires the involvement of the legal teams of the appellants and respondents, the Registrar of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), as well as the judiciary. 'If the appeal succeeds, the NPA will apply for his extradition, to give effect to the order of the SCA. The NPA will use all existing bilateral, regional, and international co-operation treaties and mechanisms to ensure he is extradited to South Africa. These include our bilateral extradition treaty with Nigeria and the Commonwealth Scheme for extradition,' Mhaga said. South Africa's human rights organisations have opted to reserve their comments following Omotoso's departure. Javu Baloyi, Spokesperson for the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), said the issues around Omotoso's acquittal would be the subject an inquiry instituted along with the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission (CRL Rights Commission) and the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The RCL Rights Commission's spokesperson, Mpiyakhe Mkholo declined to comment. The acquittal sparked a public outcry, with the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development expressing dissatisfaction with the NPA's handling of the matter. Xola Nqola, the committee's chairperson said: 'Members were very clear that the victims have been let down by what seems to be incompetent prosecutors. Furthermore, members raised concerns regarding the lack of supervision from provincial and national directors. "We felt that the intervention and support from the national office could have resulted in a different outcome. We also want consequence management in this matter. Those who messed up, deliberately or otherwise, must be held accountable.' [email protected]
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
South Africa to pursue appeal against Nigerian pastor acquitted of rape
South African authorities say they will continue with legal proceedings against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso who was acquitted of rape last month, even though he has left the country. Mr Omotoso, who denied the 32 charges against him, was accused of sexually assaulting young women from his church in Port Elizabeth. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will still appeal against the judgement which found Mr Omotoso not guilty, saying his presence is not required. South Africa's Department of Home Affairs said Mr Omotoso had flown to Nigeria from OR Tambo International Airport, where he was filmed by public broadcaster SABC wearing a hoodie and dark sunglasses. Mr Omotoso was first arrested in 2017 as he attempted to leave South Africa. Among his accusers was a woman who said she was raped by the pastor when she was aged 14. In a statement, South African prosecutors accepted "there are no legal grounds to prevent" Mr Omotoso from leaving the country following his acquittal. However, if the appeal were allowed, the authorities would apply for Mr Omotoso to be extradited back to South Africa, the statement added, highlighting South Africa's "bilateral extradition treaty with Nigeria". After his acquittal in April, Mr Omotoso also faced immigration issues, with the Department of Home Affairs alleging earlier this month that he was in South Africa illegally. On Sunday, the department issued a statement saying that Mr Omotoso had been classified as an "undesirable person", meaning he will not be able to return to the country for five years. South Africa's public broadcaster reports that the pastor left the country voluntarily. Mr Omotoso leads the Jesus Dominion International church which has branches in the UK, Nigeria, France and Israel as well as in many parts of South Africa, according to its website. Mr Omotoso's trial made South African history as the first high-profile rape case to be broadcast live. South Africa shocked by live rape trial of Timothy Omotoso Nigerian pastor acquitted of rape after eight years Fake pastors and false prophets rock South African faith Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
