Timothy Omotoso, the leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were acquitted of all 32 charges related to racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been denied leave to appeal the judgment that led to the acquittal of Timothy Omotoso.
Judge Irma Schoeman delivered the verdict at the High Court in Gqeberha, in April, saying the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused were guilty of the crimes.
On Friday, the High Court in Gqeberha delivered its ruling on the NPA’s bid to challenge the outcome. Earlier this year, the Nigerian pastor and his co-accused were acquitted of 63 charges, including rape, human trafficking and racketeering.
In their appeal delivered on Friday Schoeman slammed the prosecution’s conduct in the matter, saying it was egregious.
The state approached the court seeking permission to appeal the acquittal. Before taking the matter to a higher court, prosecutors required the High Court’s approval. The NPA may still petition the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Omotoso was first arrested in 2017 where he was accused where he was accused and charged with two women from his church.
After his acquittal, the televangelist was re-arrested earlier in May for immigration related matters.
He was then freed after a court ruled that Home Affairs didn’t follow proper arrest procedures.
In May, Omotoso was deported from South Africa and banned from returning for five years.
Bongi Sikelo 