SOUTH African police have rearrested Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso on immigration-related charges, just weeks after his controversial acquittal on multiple rape allegations provoked public outrage.
Arrest follows Sunday church service
Omotoso, the leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, was detained on Saturday morning in East London, shortly after concluding a church service, according to South African police, AFP reported.
‘He will be facing charges related to violations of the Immigration Act and will appear in court on Monday,’ said Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola during a press briefing.
Nearly a decade in detention before acquittal
The 66-year-old pastor had been incarcerated since 2017, awaiting trial on 32 charges that included rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Several young women — some still in school when the alleged offences occurred — testified in court that Omotoso handpicked them for abuse, then prayed for forgiveness after each encounter.
Judge blasts prosecution’s mishandling of case
In a ruling delivered last month, Judge Irma Schoeman of the Eastern Cape High Court acquitted Omotoso and two co-accused, stating that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. While acknowledging that the pastor’s explanations strained credulity, she criticised the state’s mismanagement of the proceedings, resulting in the case’s collapse.
The ruling sparked widespread anger in South Africa, where public frustration over sexual violence and judicial failures runs deep.
Gender-based violence crisis in South Africa
South Africa remains one of the world’s most dangerous countries for women. Police data shows that more than 42,500 rapes were reported during the 2023–24 financial year — averaging 116 incidents per day.
Activists say Omotoso’s release sent a damaging message about accountability and raised serious concerns about how the justice system handles sexual violence cases.
Immigration offences bring new legal challenge
Omotoso’s latest arrest shifts the legal focus from sexual misconduct to questions about his immigration status. Authorities have not disclosed specific details regarding the violations, but the charges could reignite debate around his long-standing presence and activities in South Africa.
His court appearance on Monday may shed further light on the nature and severity of the allegations.
