Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso’s Rape Trial Pushed to April

Gqeberha – The proceedings against 63-year-old Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, 41-year-old Lusanda Sulani and 33-year-old Zikiswa Sitho, have been rescheduled for judgment on 2 April 2025.

The Eastern Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa postponed the case after both the state and the defense presented their heads of argument.

This forthcoming judgment will represent a significant moment in a case that has encountered delays for nearly eight years since the trio’s arrest.

The situation follows a ruling on earlier applications made by the televangelist seeking five special entries for a mistrial.

On 16 January 2024, the defense requested the judge to review her earlier decision regarding the application for discharge as stipulated in Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Judge Irma Schoeman had previously rejected their application for discharge, allowing the state to move forward with the remaining trial proceedings. This means the accused are expected to present their case and will be subject to cross-examination by the prosecution.

Numerous postponements since Omotoso’s arrest in April 2017 have resulted in some witnesses opting out of giving evidence, as they expressed a desire to move on with their lives and not revisit their experiences in court.

This has led to a decrease in the number of charges from 63.

Omotoso, who was denied bail, now faces 32 counts, including racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault, while the two South African women charged alongside him are currently released on bail.

It is alleged that Omotoso, referred to as “the man of God,” led the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, with his co-accused serving as his assistants.

JDI had significant branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel, with its headquarters located in Durban.

The complainants were either church members, employees, or individuals selected to take part in church activities, initially recruited under the belief that they would achieve spiritual benefits or enhance the quality of their lives.

Allegedly, Omotoso, either directly or through his co-accused, arranged for the complainants to travel to his accommodations in Durban, Israel, or Nigeria.

Upon arrival, the complainants were allegedly informed by Omotoso or his assistants about house rules, which included switching off their cell phones and refraining from contacting male companions while adhering to his directives.

It was claimed that the complainants and other female church members were kept together in one room where they also slept.

Omotoso was accused of selecting some complainants to go to his private bedroom, where he allegedly raped or sexually assaulted them.

The state remains dedicated to ensuring the swift resolution of this case to deliver justice for the victims and believes it has provided sufficient evidence for the accused to be found guilty.