Chapter 9 institutions call for commission of inquiry into Timothy Omotoso’s acquittal

Chapter 9 institutions call for commission of inquiry into Timothy Omotoso’s acquittal! In a significant development following the controversial acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, three of South Africa’s key Chapter 9 institutions have announced their decision to launch a commission of inquiry into the court’s ruling. The move comes in the wake of public outcry and concern over the judicial handling of a case that has gripped the nation for years.

The Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) jointly briefed the media on their decision this week. They expressed their deep concern over the outcome of the trial and the implications it could have on survivors of gender-based violence and the integrity of the justice system.

It has now been one week since the Eastern Cape High Court acquitted Omotoso on 32 counts of rape, human trafficking, and racketeering, charges that stemmed from accusations brought forward by multiple young women who were members of his church, the Jesus Dominion International Church.

Timothy Omotoso

Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that the State had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. She also pointed out numerous procedural errors by the prosecution and investigative bodies that ultimately undermined the integrity of the case. These included delays in prosecution, poor witness preparation, and inconsistent testimonies. As a result, Omotoso, who had spent years in custody awaiting trial, walked free — a decision that has sparked national outrage.

The three Chapter 9 institutions, each tasked with protecting different aspects of the rights enshrined in the Constitution, said they could not ignore the public backlash and the potential ramifications of the judgment.

“We owe it to the victims, and to South Africans at large, to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” said a spokesperson for the SA Human Rights Commission during the briefing.

The CRL Commission, which focuses on protecting cultural and religious communities, said it was particularly troubled by the possibility that vulnerable members of religious groups may be at risk if leaders like Omotoso are able to act with impunity due to failures within the judicial process.

“People put their trust in religious leaders,” said CRL chairperson Professor Luka Mosoma. “When those leaders are accused of serious crimes like rape and human trafficking, it is imperative that the justice system handles these matters with competence, sensitivity, and urgency.”

The Commission for Gender Equality, which monitors gender-based violence and discrimination, said that the acquittal could have a chilling effect on other survivors coming forward. “The judgment has reignited fears that victims will not be believed or that the system will let them down,” the CGE’s representative noted. “We must understand the wider social impact of such high-profile cases.”

The proposed commission of inquiry will look into various aspects of the trial, including the prosecutorial conduct, the handling of evidence, and systemic weaknesses that may have contributed to the collapse of the case. The three institutions are expected to collaborate with legal experts, civil society, and victims’ advocacy groups to conduct a thorough and transparent review.

While the Chapter 9 institutions do not have the power to overturn a judicial decision, their findings could lead to recommendations for reforms within the criminal justice system, particularly in how sexual offences and religious abuse cases are prosecuted.

Civil society organizations have welcomed the announcement, with many saying that it’s a step in the right direction to ensure accountability and rebuild trust in the system.

The date for the official launch of the inquiry has not yet been set, but the institutions have pledged to move swiftly and keep the public informed.