The Trial Of Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso, Along With His Co-Accused Lusanda Sulani (41) And Zikiswa Sitho (33), Has Been Adjourned To January 22, 2025, For Closing Arguments.
In A Statement Issued On Thursday, December 12, 2024, The National Prosecuting Authority (Npa) Confirmed That The High Court Of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha, Postponed The Case After The Three Defendants Testified In Their Defense And Were Cross-Examined By The Prosecution.
Omotoso, 63, Founder And Senior Pastor Of Jesus Dominion International In Durban, South Africa, Was Arrested On April 20, 2017, On Charges Of Rape And Human Trafficking.
The Trio Faces 63 Main And Alternative Charges Under The Sexual Offences Act, With Victims Reported To Be As Young As 13.
The Npa Statement Highlighted The Progress Made In The Case After Several Delays Spanning Almost Eight Years Since Omotoso’s Arrest. It Follows The Resolution Of Previous Applications, Including A Request For A Mistrial Filed By Omotoso In January 2024. The Court Had Dismissed His Application For Discharge, Allowing The Trial To Proceed.
Numerous Delays Have Caused Some Witnesses To Withdraw, As Many Have Moved On With Their Lives And Are Unwilling To Revisit Their Traumatic Experiences. As A Result, The Number Of Charges Has Been Reduced From 63.
Omotoso Remains In Custody, While His Co-Accused Are Out On Bail. He Now Faces 32 Charges, Including Racketeering, Trafficking In Persons, Rape, And Sexual Assault.
Omotoso Is Accused Of Leading Jesus Dominion International (Jdi), With Branches In South Africa, Nigeria, And Israel. His Co-Accused Are Alleged To Have Assisted Him In Trafficking Victims Under The False Pretense Of Spiritual Or Personal Growth.
Once The Victims Arrived, They Were Allegedly Isolated, With Their Phones Confiscated And Forced To Adhere To Strict House Rules. Some Victims Claim Omotoso Would Select Them For Private Sessions In His Bedroom, Where He Allegedly Raped Or Sexually Assaulted Them.
The Npa Reaffirmed Its Commitment To Finalizing The Case And Ensuring Justice For The Victims.
