Nigerian Televangelist Omotoso Leaves South Africa After Rape Acquittal, Gets 5-Year Entry Ban

He had been detained for eight years on charges of sexual assault, human trafficking, and limiting his followers' freedom of travel.

As the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) gets ready to contest the court decision that freed Timothy Omotoso, a Nigerian-born televangelist who was cleared of raping young women from his congregation, he has departed South Africa.

According to TheSouthAfrican, Omotoso, the leader of Jesus Dominion International Church, was spotted getting ready to leave the country at OR Tambo International Airport almost a month after the Eastern Cape High Court exonerated him of all charges.

According to SaharaReporters' findings at the time of filing, the televangelist was already in the air and would be reaching Lagos, Nigeria, at approximately 8:00 p.m.

He had been detained for eight years on charges of sexual assault, human trafficking, and limiting his followers' freedom of travel.

Numerous rights organizations have expressed their disapproval of the verdict, arguing that justice was not served.

Lusanda Solani and Zikiswa Sitho, his co-accused, were also found not guilty, but if the NPA's appeal is successful, they might be charged again.

An internal investigation of the actions of the prosecutors in the well-known case has also been started by the NPA.

Omotoso left after appearing at the East London Magistrate's Court on May 10th about immigration-related matters.

Soon after the hearing, he was freed, which led to rumors that he was about to leave the country.

Since then, the Department of Home Affairs has affirmed that Omotoso will be prohibited from entering South Africa for a period of five years.

"He will need to ask for permission to enter the nation after that time has passed. At that time, the agency will look at the information and motivation supplied to make a decision,” said department spokesperson Siya Qoza.

"The department confirms traveling within the African continent but does not comment on people's travel arrangements," Qoza continued.