Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso Acquitted” After 8 Years in South Africa Jail: Shocking Verdict | eKayNews
Eastern Cape High Court judge clears Nigerian “Timothy Omotoso acquitted” of 32 rape charges. Learn how “Televangelist Omotoso and co-accused” were freed.
Ruling judge Irma Schoeman said the state had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Eastern Cape High Court, presided over by Judge Irma Schoeman, has delivered a stunning verdict, declaring Nigerian Timothy Omotoso acquitted of all 32 charges of rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, and racketeering. After nearly eight years behind bars, Televangelist Omotoso and co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho found not guilty on all charges. This decision has sparked widespread debate and raised critical questions about the South African justice system.
Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, have been found not guilty on all charges against them.
Timothy Oluseun Omotoso
Born: July 14, 1958 (age 66)
Citizen: Nigeria
Occupation: Pastor
Years active: 1985–2018
Criminal charge(s) 32 charges of rape, human trafficking and racketeering
The Background: Timothy Omotoso and His Ministry
Timothy Omotoso, born Timothy Oluseun Omotoso on July 14, 1958, is a Nigerian televangelist and the senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International (JDI), based in Durban, South Africa. He was arrested in April 2017 at the Port Elizabeth International Airport, facing serious allegations of grooming and abusing young women, some as young as 14.
Omotoso’s ministry, operating under Tim Omotoso Global Outreach (TOGO), aimed to spread the gospel through Apostolic and Prophetic teachings. JDI, his church, had branches across South Africa, France, and the UK, and he held crusades worldwide. He also initiated community projects like the “Youth Empowerment Project” (YEP), which mentored music groups and artists, and “Help the Helpless,” which assisted the underprivileged.
His media presence was extensive, with the Ancient of Days Broadcasting Network (ADBN), a 24-hour satellite TV station, reaching audiences across the Caribbean, Africa, Mexico, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. His weekly TV broadcast, “Just As I Am,” featured sermons and miracle sessions.
Omotoso also authored books like “How to Enjoy Health, Wealth and Longevity” and “Prayer Bonanza,” and his ministry published an annual daily devotional. He claimed to have been divinely taught to play various musical instruments from a young age and served as a music director in the 1980s.
The Allegations: Child Sex Abuse and Trial
The core of the case against Nigerian Timothy Omotoso acquitted centered on allegations of child sex abuse. He was accused of grooming and abusing young women from the age of 14. Alongside his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, who were alleged to be his assistants, he faced charges of rape, human trafficking, sexual assault, and racketeering.
Initially charged with 63 counts, the charges were reduced to 32 as some witnesses withdrew. The prosecution argued that Omotoso exploited his authority within JDI to groom and abuse young women. Complainants testified that they were recruited under false pretenses of spiritual and material benefits and then subjected to abuse and control at his properties.
Cheryl Zondi, a key witness, testified in 2018 that Omotoso raped her from the age of 14. Her testimony, broadcast live, brought significant attention to the trial, which was the first major rape case to be televised in South Africa.
The trial was marked by numerous delays, including defense motions for mistrials, judicial recusals, and changes in the prosecution team. Defense attorney Peter Daubermann challenged the credibility of witnesses and accused former prosecutor Nceba Ntelwa of misconduct, allegations that Judge Irma Schoeman deemed exaggerated but acknowledged as irregular.
The Acquittal: “Televangelist Omotoso and Co-Accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho Found Not Guilty on All Charges”
On April 2, 2025, Judge Schoeman acquitted Nigerian Timothy Omotoso acquitted, along with Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha. She ruled that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, citing inadequate cross-examination and prosecutorial mishandling. Despite acknowledging weaknesses in the defense’s narrative, she found the prosecution’s case insufficient.
Televangelist Omotoso and co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho found not guilty on all charges. Omotoso, who had been detained for eight years, was ordered deported to Nigeria. The ruling elicited mixed reactions, with supporters celebrating and victims’ advocates expressing dismay.
The Aftermath and Implications
The acquittal has sparked a national conversation about the handling of sexual violence cases in South Africa. Victims’ advocates have raised concerns about the justice system’s ability to protect vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators accountable. The case has also highlighted the challenges of prosecuting cases involving powerful religious figures.
This verdict underscores the importance of rigorous prosecution and the need for justice systems to handle sensitive cases with the utmost care. It has also brought to the forefront the need for better support structures for victims of sexual abuse.
Internal Links:
- For more South African news, visit: https://ekaynews.co.za/category/news/
External Links:
-
For further details on the acquittal, read: https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/nigerian-televangelist-timothy-omotoso-found-not-guilty-of-multiple-charges-after-8-years-20250402
- After spending nearly eight years behind bars, Nigerian televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso has been found not guilty on all charges.
-
BBC Pidgin report: https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/cgjl7l12pqlo
- Eastern Cape High Court judge, Irma Schoeman clear : Nigerian Timothy Omotoso free of all the 32 charges against him
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Omotoso
Key Points:
- Nigerian Timothy Omotoso acquitted after an eight-year trial.
- Televangelist Omotoso and co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho found not guilty on all charges.
- The court cited prosecutorial failures as the reason for the acquittal.
- The trial was marked by delays and controversies.
- The verdict has sparked significant reactions.
- Omotoso is to be deported to Nigeria
Thank you for stopping by and reading our article on the Timothy Omotoso case. We deeply appreciate your support. By reading, sharing, and following us on social media, you’re helping us grow and reach more people. We invite you to join our growing eKayNews community and spread the word!
- Your support keeps us going. Here’s how you can help:
- Buy us a Virtue Coffee: Help us keep eKayNews running with a donation of any amount. Your generosity is invaluable! PayFast Buy Now Image Link: https://my.payfast.io/images/buttons/BuyNow/Primary-Large-BuyNow.png
- Subscribe to eKayNews: Support our online presence by subscribing with any amount you choose. You can cancel anytime. Your support means the world to us! PayFast Subscribe Image: https://my.payfast.io/images/buttons/Subscribe/Primary-Large-Subscribe.png
We are incredibly grateful for your engagement and support. For queries, news tips, advertising, or more:
-
- Email: info@ekaynews.co.za
- WhatsApp: +27631248991
Thank you for being a part of the eKayNews community
Online shopping or Free advertising eKayzone – South Africa business networking platform
- Your support keeps us going. Here’s how you can help:
-
Discover eKayzone.co.za, South Africa’s online marketplace where you can buy and sell for free. Advertising your items has never been easier thanks to eKayzone’s intelligent AI feature! Our built-in AI helps you craft compelling, SEO-friendly ads that attract the right buyers, boosting your visibility and sales. Simply describe your product, and let our AI do the rest, ensuring your listings stand out in the bustling online marketplace. or visit eKayzone to browse free ads allover South Africa and find the best deal near you
With categories like: Construction machineries & Spares, Vehicles, Fashion, clothes and Shoes, Event, Tourism & Hotels, Items for Sale, Electronics,.
Disclaimer:
eKayNews is a community blogging online news channel providing information and community-contributed reports. The opinions and information presented in this article, including reports on the acquittal of Timothy Omotoso and the involvement of Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, are those of community bloggers and do not represent professional journalistic reporting. As such, eKayNews, its directors, subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in the content. Readers are advised to independently verify all information presented herein.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice
For further details on our disclaimer, please visit: https://ekaynews.co.za/disclaimer/“
