Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso walked free this week after practically eight years of authorized battles, with the Gqeberha Excessive Court docket acquitting him and two co-accused of all prices, together with rape and human trafficking. The decision sparked blended reactions—and drew the eye of a controversial determine: self-proclaimed prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri.
Omotoso discovered not responsible after prolonged trial
Decide Iram Schoeman dominated that the State had didn’t show its case past affordable doubt.
“The accused are discovered not responsible and are discharged on all the fees,” she stated, pointing to inconsistencies within the prosecution’s case and poor cross-examination.
Omotoso, Lusanda Solani, and Zikiswa Sitho confronted over 30 prices. The State alleged that they’d lured younger ladies beneath the guise of choir auditions, later subjecting them to abuse on the uMhlanga Mission Home.
Chatting with the media exterior court docket, Omotoso stated, “The one factor I can say is I thank God. Solely God can communicate to me when the time is correct, however for now, I wish to relaxation. It has been an extended eight years.”
Bushiri warns: ‘Go away now, whilst you nonetheless can’
The acquittal drew response from Bushiri, who stays in Malawi after fleeing South Africa in 2020 whereas out on bail.
On Fb, he wrote: “After eight lengthy, agonising years… Timothy Omotoso has been declared harmless… think about: thirty-two [charges]!”
Bushiri, as soon as accused of rape, fraud, and violating immigration legal guidelines, provided what he known as heartfelt recommendation.
“To you, my brother Omotoso… go away whilst you nonetheless can. If there’s a window you need to use to depart shortly earlier than they deport you, achieve this.”
His feedback reference the chance that Omotoso, a overseas nationwide, could now face deportation proceedings regardless of being cleared in court docket.
In the meantime, South African authorities proceed efforts to extradite Bushiri and his spouse, Mary, from Malawi. Malawi’s Chief Resident Justice of the Peace Court docket lately dominated in favour of the extradition, however the couple has filed an attraction.
The Division of Justice stated it stays dedicated to making sure Bushiri faces trial.
“If they don’t proceed with the attraction, we shall be able to facilitate their return,” stated a division spokesperson.
What do you assume—ought to Omotoso go away the nation like Bushiri suggests?
Tell us by leaving a remark under, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African web site’s newsletters and observe us on WhatsApp, Fb, X and Bluesky for the most recent information.
