Timothy Omotoso, a well-known Nigerian televangelist, was cleared of all charges of human trafficking and rape by the High Court in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
After eight years on trial, Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani, 41, and Zikiswa Sitho, 33, were found not guilty of the charges brought against them.
The 66-year-old and his two co-accused were charged with 32 counts, including sexual assault, rape, trafficking in persons, and racketeering.
Judge Irma Schoeman delivered judgement on Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025 after taking hours detailing evidence from the State, the complainants and the defence.
“I am of the view that although there are aspects of the complainants that are unsatisfactory, I cannot find that their evidence is incredible. However, I cannot find that the evidence of the accused falls to be rejected as false either,” the court remarked.
Schoeman went on to say that the prosecution failed to adequately test the defense’s evidence through a suitable cross-examination.
“This matter falls in the category where in my view the explanations of the accused are improbable, and I do not subjectively believe them. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions of the State and the lack of proper cross examination, I cannot find that the accused’s version are so improbable they cannot reasonably possibly be true,” she said.
“The accused bore no onus to convince the court of their innocence. I am of the view, in light of all the circumstances of the case, that the State has not proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“The accused are found not guilty and they are discharged on all the charges,” the judge ruled.
Then, Omotoso, Sulani, and Sitho knelt down on the court bench and prayed.
Soon after his court acquittal, Omotoso was embraced by a group of supporters who yelled “papa” at him.
Shortly after his acquittal, Omotoso spoke to reporters and expressed relief.
“The only thing I can say, I thank God. I thank God. I give him all praise. I am 67 by next July. I have been in prison for eight years,” he said.
Journalists asked Omotoso if he was considering suing the State, and he said he needed time to think.
“I think it is better for me to rest first. I have been in prison for eight years, at this age. I think we should give some time for that,” he added.
The National Prosecuting Authority stated during the final court appearance that the verdict will be a significant turning point in the case, which has been plagued by delays for nearly eight years since the trio’s arrest.
As the head of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, Omotoso was referred to as “the man of God,” and his co-accused were allegedly his assistants.
With its headquarters located in Durban, JDI maintained significant branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel.
“The complainants were either congregants, employees or persons selected to take part in the activities of the church when they were recruited under the pretext that they would benefit spiritually or improve the quality of their lives,” said NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.
The court heard that Omotoso allegedly directly or indirectly through his co-accused, paid and arranged for the complainants to travel to his hotel, Durban, Israel, or Nigeria.
“However, once the complainants arrived, Omotoso or his assistants would inform them of house rules, which included that their cell phones be switched off or told not to contact male companions and were to further abide by his instructions.
“Omotoso would allegedly select one of the complainants to go to his private bedroom where he r2ped or s3xually assaulted them.”
As the head of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, Omotoso was referred to as “the man of God,” and his co-accused were allegedly his assistants.
With its headquarters located in Durban, JDI maintained significant branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel.
Omotoso was known as “the man of God,” and his co-accused were allegedly his assistants. Omotoso was the leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church.
JDI had important branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel in addition to its main office in Durban.
