Shock, concern, disillusionment and anger as Omotoso walks free

The first witness in the Timothy Omotoso rape case fears that the preacher’s acquittal could enable him to do more harm to other women, believing it’s God’s will.

The country has been left shocked and disillusioned by the country’s justice system after the High Court in Gqeberha found the televangelist and his co-accused not guilty of all charges levelled against them.

This verdict has me worked up 💔
It’s literally a slap in the face of all victims out there. And cheer to all the perpetrators. #OmotosoTrial

— Black Habibi (@Keagh_Bathong) April 2, 2025

I dnt see why women and young girls would go report rapes cases cause they would still not find rapists guilty #omotosotrial @RSA_JCPS is pathetic sieeees

— @OnthatileModise (@MoloantoaModise) April 2, 2025

The leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were charged with rape, human trafficking, and racketeering.

Cheryl Zondi was one of the key witnesses in the case.

She was also the first to take to the stand, alleging that Omotoso sexually assaulted her between 2010 and 2015.

South Africans were touched by her bravery and strength for standing up for her truth during the trial.

Zondi believes the justice system has failed them after eight years of fighting for justice.

Delivering judgment, Judge Irma Schoeman said the state failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused had committed the acts they were accused of.

Judge Schoeman also cited the lack of adequate cross-examination by prosecutors, saying it was shallow and lacked the intention to uncover the truth.

The ruling left the gallery stunned.

 

Omotoso’s supporters celebrated his release outside court.

 

The judgment comes weeks after gender activist and whistleblower, Pamela Mabini, who played a vital role in the case, was shot and killed outside her home. She had previously escaped the attempt, blaming Omotoso’s people for the bid on her life.

Some of those who were also outside court were, however, heartbroken.

They say the system has failed those who went through tough ordeals and now they fear for their children.

The recently re-appointed Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission, Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, is equally disappointed, saying the state has failed the young people who had risked their lives to speak their truth.

She deems what has transpired as concerning and believes the criminal justice systems needs to be looked into because “it keeps failing South Africans”.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will study the judgment and then decide on the next course of action.

In a statement below, the NPA defends some of the delays in the trial, saying some witnesses had changed their minds, indicating that they had moved on with their lives and weren’t interested in reliving their experiences in court.

Scores of South Africans believe that the state should’ve done better for the sake of the victims.

The judge 100% laid the blame for this verdict at feet of the NPA. That they didn’t cast doubt on Omotoso’s testimony left her with no choice but to let him go. https://t.co/pcb17BZeW1

— Mvelase ??????????????????????? (@MvelaseP) April 2, 2025

The verdict is a slap in the face to victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking ?????? #Omotoso

— Makori (@makori_tonyela) April 2, 2025

What a sad day for South Africans ??first it was Omotoso now this ??#BudgetSpeech2025

— Rinee M?? (@ReneeReeRee) April 2, 2025

Omotoso being acquitted is sooo infuriating. Those that know how the law works, can’t the victims appeal? With how Cwecwe’s case is being handled l think as women we need to physically stand up and DEMAND justice for both these cases. #omotosotrial #JusticeForCwecwe

— Jewel?? (@Kee_Mahosi) April 2, 2025

Omotoso has been acquitted because of incompetence on the NPA’s side

— Karabo (@Karabo_tjale) April 2, 2025

The South African government fails victims/survivors of Gender-based violence and Femicide every single day.

We stand with Cheryl Zondi, Pamela Mabini – the state witness in this case – who was gunned down last month in front of her home, and every other victim of Omotoso’s… https://t.co/ou9Ja64wNl

— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) April 2, 2025

The Omotoso verdict is exactly why men love our legal system

— K2Baby (@keitu36) April 2, 2025

The Nigerian pastor was arrested in 2017 and remained in custody throughout the trial whilst there were numerous delays to the trial. These included the recusal of judge Mandela Makaula in 2019 due to a conflict of interest. This after it emerged in court that the main witness, Zondi, had stayed in a guesthouse that Makaula’s wife had interests in.