Flaws in Omotoso’s case are more than a comedy of errors: Expert

May 14, 2025 62

Human Rights lawyer, Sheldon Magardie, says the outcomes of the criminal and deportation proceedings in the cases of controversial Televangelist Timothy Omotoso are more than a comedy of errors.

Magardie says they lay bare the gross incompetence on the part of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the officials responsible for enforcing the Immigration Act.

Omotoso was set free yesterday, after the East London Magistrate’s Court ruled that he cannot be detained for more than 48 hours, without being charged, in accordance with section 34 of the Immigration Act.

The pastor was re-arrested in Gqeberha on Saturday for violating Immigration Laws.

This comes as the controversial pastor’s presence in the country continues to raise the ire of many, who are calling for him to be deported to his home country, Nigeria.

However, the televangelist will not be deported until his court application to review Home Affairs’ decision to declare him a prohibited person in South Africa is heard.

The Human Rights lawyer says, unfortunately, the outcomes of these cases represent significant setbacks for the state’s commitments to deal with the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa.

Last month the controversial televangalist and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho were acquitted of more than 30 charges including, human trafficking and rape.

Civil rights movement, NotInMyName International’s Themba Masango, has also weighed in, saying Omotoso’s release due to legal technicalities speaks to the profound challenges faced in the fight against GBV.