A Nigerian televangelist recently cleared of raping young women from his church was expected to depart South Africa on Sunday, local media reported, just days after prosecutors announced plans to reopen the case.
Timothy Omotoso was acquitted last month of 32 counts, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, after spending eight years behind bars. The ruling drew widespread backlash across South Africa following the judge’s remarks that the prosecution mishandled the trial.
The 66-year-old preacher was expected to fly out from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport to Nigeria, according to reports by state broadcaster SABC and Newsroom Afrika.
Footage showed Omotoso at the airport wearing a grey hoodie and sunglasses, engaging with an immigration officer. Details about the exact timing of his departure were not immediately available.
An official from the transport ministry told AFP that Omotoso was not required to obtain special clearance to exit the country.
Prosecutors earlier this week said they would appeal the rape acquittal and examine the conduct of the legal team involved in the case.
“The NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” it said.
Omotoso leads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, which is based in Durban and operates branches in Nigeria and Israel, according to South African authorities.
He was taken into custody again on May 10 over immigration violations, and the South African government indicated that he was being deported.
However, a magistrates’ court ruled this week that he must be released, citing that he could not be held longer than 48 hours without being formally charged.
What you should know
Pastor Timothy Omotoso, acquitted of multiple sexual abuse charges in South Africa, is returning to Nigeria amid an ongoing legal controversy.
While the court cleared him, prosecutors are appealing the verdict and probing the case’s handling.
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