The High Court in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, has acquitted Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso of all charges, including r3pe and human trafficking. The acquittal comes after an eight-year legal battle that began with Omotoso’s arrest on April 20, 2017. Omotoso, along with his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, faced 32 counts, including racketeering, trafficking in persons, r3pe, and s3xual assault.

Judge Irma Schoeman delivered the judgment, detailing evidence from the State, the complainants, and the defense. She noted inconsistencies in the complainants' evidence but couldn't find it incredible. Similarly, she couldn't reject the accused's evidence as false. Schoeman pointed out that the prosecution did not properly test the defense's evidence with a fitting 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,” Judge Schoeman stated. She emphasized that the accused bore no onus to prove their innocence and concluded that the State had not proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Following the ruling, Omotoso, Sulani, and Sitho knelt in prayer. Supporters embraced Omotoso, chanting “papa.” Omotoso expressed his gratitude to God and noted his eight years in prison at the age of 66 (soon to be 67). When asked about suing the State, Omotoso stated he needed time to rest and consider his options.

The National Prosecuting Authority acknowledged the case's delays since the trio's arrest. Omotoso was the leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, with branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel, and Durban as its headquarters in South Africa. Sulani and Sitho were his assistants. The NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, stated that complainants were recruited under the guise of spiritual benefit or improved quality of life, only to allegedly be subjected to Omotoso's abuse.

The court heard allegations that Omotoso, directly or through his assistants, arranged for complainants to travel to hotels, Durban, Israel, or Nigeria. Upon arrival, their cell phones were allegedly confiscated, and they were instructed to adhere to house rules and Omotoso's instructions. It was alleged that Omotoso would then select a complainant for r3pe or s3xual assault in his private bedroom. Despite the evidence presented, the State's hope for a guilty verdict was not realized.

In related news, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has voiced his support for Omotoso following the acquittal, drawing parallels to his own legal challenges. Bushiri, who faces extradition to South Africa on charges including r3pe and money laundering, alleges systemic persecution against foreign religious leaders in South Africa. He likened Omotoso’s situation to his own, claiming both cases reflect judicial harassment targeting prosperous foreign clerics. Bushiri criticized Omotoso’s treatment, describing him as “caged like an animal,” leading to a ruined reputation and destroyed ministry.