Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso set to leave South Africa

Nigerian pastor and televangelist Timothy Omotoso is expected to depart South Africa on Sunday, signalling the end of protracted legal ordeal that has lasted nearly ten years.

Omotoso chose to be deported after being re-arrested by immigration officials in East London on May 10. The Department of Home Affairs has declared him a prohibited person, citing that his continued stay in the country is unlawful.

Earlier this year, on April 2, the Gqeberha High Court acquitted Omotoso of 32 serious charges, including rape.

He had previously faced over 90 allegations, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering.

He and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani, aged 41, and Zikiswa Sitho, aged 33,  had faced 32 counts ranging from racketeering and trafficking in persons to rape. 

The trial spanned eight years before the acquittal.

Omotoso, founder of the Durban-based Jesus Dominion International church, was originally arrested in 2017. His high-profile trial drew national attention and sparked widespread public outrage.

Earlier this week, the court ruled that the Nigerian preacher will not be deported until his application for a review of Department of Home Affairs' decision is heard in court.

A crowd of congregants supporting Omotoso burst into song and dance, with many holding pictures showing the televangelist's face.

Omotoso then filed an urgent high court application to challenge his prohibited status in South Africa, following his arrest on Saturday morning for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act.

According to Sunday World, Omotoso has booked a ticket and is expected to leave from OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday.

If Omotoso leaves the country, he will evade the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) efforts to have him reimprisoned.

This follows the NPA’s recent announcement of its intention to appeal Omotoso's acquittal.

IOL NEWS