Nigerian pastor acquitted of rape after eight years in South African jail

|Published 1:35 PM ET, Wednesday April 02, 2025|

​Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been acquitted of all charges, including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking, by the Gqeberha High Court in South Africa. The verdict, delivered on April 2, 2025, also cleared his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho. ​

Omotoso was arrested in 2017 and had been in custody for eight years awaiting trial. The trio faced over 30 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering. Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the acquittal. ​

The African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League expressed disappointment over the judgment. Eastern Cape chairperson Ntandokazi Capa stated that while they accept the court’s decision, they will continue to support the victims and hope the National Prosecuting Authority will appeal the case. ​

This case has been closely followed, highlighting issues related to sexual violence and the judicial process in South Africa. The outcome has elicited varied reactions, reflecting the complexities of such high-profile cases.

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