Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso (63) and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani (41) and Zikiswa Sitho (33) will learn the outcome of their case in April. The matter involving the trio arrested in 2017, who are facing a total of 32 charges including rape, human trafficking, sexual assault and racketeering, has been postponed for a ruling on 02 April 2025.

MATTER DRAGGED ON FOR EIGHT YEARS

The three accused were back at the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha, following the submission of final arguments by both the prosecution and the defence. According to Luxolo Tyali, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, the forthcoming judgment will represent a significant milestone in a case marred by delays and postponements for almost eight years. "This follows a decision on previous applications by the televangelist for five special entries for a mistrial, including an application made on 16 January 2024, where the defence made an application for the judge to reconsider her previous judgment on the application for discharge according to Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.," Tyolo noted. Tyali said the presiding Judge Irma Schoeman, had previously rejected their application for discharge, and the state was prepared to advance with the remaining proceedings in the trial.

SOME WITNESSES WITHDREW FROM TESTIFYING

Tyali said the numerous delays in the trial since Omotoso's arrest in April 2017 have led some witnesses to withdraw from providing testimony. "They indicated that they have since moved on with their lives and are not interested in reliving their experiences in court. That has led to the reduction of the charges from 63 to 32. Though he has denied all the charges against him, the leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church, with the help of his two co-accused, would recruit the complainants to take part in the activities of the church under the pretext that they would benefit spiritually or improve the quality of their lives. Omotoso allegedly directly or indirectly, through his co-accused, paid for and arranged for the complainants to travel to his hotels in Durban, Israel, or Nigeria. " However, once the complainants arrived, Omotoso or his assistants would inform them of house rules, which included that their cell phones be switched off or told not to contact male companions and were to further abide by his instructions. The complainants and other female church members were allegedly kept in one room where Omotoso would allegedly select one of the complainants to go to his private bedroom, where he raped or sexually assaulted them. "The state remains committed to ensuring that this case is finalised as soon as possible so that justice is served for the victims and believes that even in this case it has presented enough evidence for the accused persons to be found guilty," Tyali added.