Some

Government bodies in South Africa have expressed disapproval over the decision to acquitted Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who had been imprisoned for eight years on accusations of rape.

The Nigerian pastor based in South Africa, along with his co-defendants Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, was released and cleared of charges including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking by the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday.

Omotoso has been detained since 2017 waiting for his trial after being apprehended at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport.

After delivering the ruling, Judge Irma Schoeman, who was leading the proceedings, stated that Omotoso, the head pastor at Jesus Dominion International based in Durban, was acquitted as his accusers failed to manage the case properly.

Additionally, the South African National Prosecuting Authority stated, “the previous prosecutors handling the case behaved incorrectly, and the defendants were not adequately questioned by the prosecution.”

However, prominent agencies such as South Africa’s Justice Committee and the Department of Women, Youth andPersons with Disabilities criticized the judge for her decision.

Based on reports from South African media outlets, the nation’s Justice Department responded on Thursday by criticizing both Schoeman and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). They expressed strong disapproval of Omotoso’s acquittal, terming it an “attack on the battle against gender-based violence.”

The panel led by Xola Nqola stated that releasing the individual over sixty years old is “entirely unjustifiable.” They also emphasized, “We require the National Prosecuting Authority to clarify the shortcomings within their team and the case they have submitted.”

Likewise, the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities issued a statement condemning the decision, stating that it had introduced uncertainty into South Africa’s legal framework.

The acquittal of Omotoso marks a pivotal moment in jurisprudence, potentially eroding the trust that victims place in the legal framework,” the department noted. ” numerous women courageously testified about their harrowing encounters; however, this decision may exacerbate the psychological burden they’ve already faced.

“This situation underscores the intricacy of gender-based violence and femicide, highlighting the necessity for immediate, all-encompassing, and collaborative measures,” the statement went on to say.

It was noted, “The battle against gender-based violence is not yet won, and although we acknowledge the result of the case, it must not discourage us from our aim to build a secure and equitable community for women, young people, and individuals with disabilities.”

The department concluded that it would not be deterred by this ruling, but, “Instead, it will only strengthen our resolve to work tirelessly for a South Africa that is safe, just, and empowering for all.”

In the meantime, an organization based in South Africa named ActionSA demanded the expulsion of the Nigerian cleric after he was acquitted.

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