Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso Rearrested in South Africa on Alleged Immigration Offense
Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, who was recently acquitted of multiple rape charges, has been rearrested by South African authorities on immigration offenses.
The 66-year-old pastor, who heads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church in South Africa, was taken into custody on Saturday morning in the town of East London, just after conducting a church service.
Omotoso’s acquittal last month had sparked widespread outrage across South Africa, with many criticizing the judge’s decision to release him due to procedural errors by the prosecution.
The case had drawn significant attention, with several young women testifying that they were victims of Omotoso’s alleged sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The pastor was initially arrested in 2017 on 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
However, Eastern Cape High Court judge Irma Schoeman ruled in April that the state had not proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Omotoso’s release.
According to South African police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, Omotoso will face charges related to violations of the Immigration Act and is expected to appear in court on Monday.
The rearrest has raised hopes that justice may still be served, particularly in a country grappling with one of the highest rates of rape and gender-based violence in the world.
South Africa’s alarming statistics on rape and gender-based violence are a stark reminder of the need for effective justice and accountability.
With over 42,500 rapes reported in the 2023-24 financial year, equivalent to more than 116 rapes per day, the country’s authorities face significant challenges in addressing this critical issue.
The rearrest of Timothy Omotoso may be a step towards holding perpetrators accountable, but it also highlights the need for a more robust and effective justice system to protect victims and prevent such crimes from occurring in the first place.
