April 2017 saw the commencement of pastor Timothy Omotoso’s case, where he faced serious charges such as racketeering, human trafficking, rape and more. Mzansi has been shocked to find out that the Nigerian figure has been acquitted and found not guilty of all charges.
Pastor Timothy, who is largely known and referred to by his surname, gained notoriety when he and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho were labelled as predators for their alleged role in the recruiting, grooming and assaulting of victims from the Nigerian pastor’s church.
This case grew to become quite notable as many citizens followed the proceedings carefully due to its horrific and complex nature. Omotoso was initially indicted on a total of 97 counts, which were later reduced to 63, and also included charges of sexual assault and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The case, which has spanned a total of eight years, has finally wrapped up after Judge Irma Schoeman of the Eastern Cape High Court acquitted Omotoso and his co-accused, citing the prosecution’s failure to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. According to Judge Irma Nceba Ntelwa, who served as the prosecutor lacked depth and was of “poor quality”.
Breaking news
Omotoso found not guilty of rape and other charges
Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Zukiswa Sitho and Lusanda Sulani, have been acquitted of all charges in a high-profile trial that spanned several years.
The Gqeberha High Court… pic.twitter.com/9jm15xxM4D
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) April 2, 2025
The judge’s decision has sent shock waves across the country and has elicited some strong reactions from the public, as a significant number of citizens believe that the judge made the incorrect decision, and that the correct decision was the alternative choice. According to these users who are visibly upset and frustrated, the decision by the judge is merely a blow to victims of rape and GBV across the country, as the outcome is not particularly a declaration of innocence, but rather a reflection of the prosecutions shortcomings.
This is the worst news ????
Oh Cheryl the South African justice system has failed you! ??We need to hit the streets again, Omotoso must leave the country! pic.twitter.com/ui7NsYVBeo
— Patience (@officialtwinny) April 2, 2025
Others highlight the horrible timing of this decision, citing movements such as the #JusticeForCweCwe campaign that has flooded social media, in order to shine a light on the high rates of Gender Based Violence (GBV) against women and children in the country.
Omotoso being acquitted in the same week that there are nationwide marches against sexual violence really says a lot about the state of this country. Wow man.
— Lerato (@baddaysareover) April 2, 2025
These users believe that similarly to cases that have come before, the justice system has failed victims, and continues to perpetuate rape culture, misogyny and sexism in South Africa.
The Omotoso verdict is exactly why men love our legal system
— K2Baby (@keitu36) April 2, 2025
Omotoso walking free is upsetting.
Omotoso walking free this week with everything thats been happening???Nah shut the whole country down.
— OREEFA?️⚽️ (@__reefa__) April 2, 2025
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