NPA head Shamila Batohi defends institution after Timothy Omotoso’s acquittal

The head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Shamila Batohi, has urged the public not to judge the institution solely based on the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso. This comes after widespread criticism of the NPA’s handling of the high-profile case, which saw Omotoso and his co-accused walk free after facing multiple serious charges.

A Controversial Acquittal Shocks the Nation

Timothy Omotoso, a Nigerian pastor and televangelist, was acquitted of 32 counts of rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, and racketeering. The case had gripped South Africa for years, with multiple victims coming forward to accuse Omotoso of heinous crimes. However, in a scathing judgment, the court criticized the prosecution’s performance, highlighting poor cross-examination, dishonesty, incompetence, and misconduct.

For many South Africans who had been following the case closely, the ruling was a devastating blow. Victims and activists expressed their outrage, questioning whether justice had truly been served.

Batohi Acknowledges the Blow to the NPA’s Reputation

Following the court ruling, Batohi addressed the public and acknowledged that the case had damaged the credibility of the NPA. However, she pleaded with South Africans to avoid judging the institution based on one case alone.

“Of course, this particular matter has seriously dented the reputation of the NPA, but all I ask the public is to not let one case determine whether the NPA is able to do these cases or not,” Batohi stated.

She emphasized that while the Omotoso case was a significant setback, the NPA remains committed to justice and continues to prosecute serious crimes across the country.

Prosecution’s Failures in the Omotoso Case

The judgment in the Omotoso trial was particularly damning of the prosecution’s conduct. The court highlighted several key failures, including:

• Shallow cross-examination of witnesses, which weakened the case.

• Dishonesty and misconduct on the part of the prosecutors.

• Incompetence that led to critical errors during the trial.

These findings have sparked concerns about the training and accountability of prosecutors within the NPA.

The NPA’s Response: Replacing the Legal Team

Batohi explained that when complaints first surfaced in 2021 regarding the conduct of prosecutors in the Omotoso case, the NPA in the Eastern Cape took swift action by replacing the team.

“At that point, the NPA even brought in the external counsel in terms of Section 38 of the NPA Act, which was before that was the time of the original mistrial application. In order to advise the NPA on whether the prosecutor’s conduct indeed could amount to conduct that could render a mistrial,” she said.

Despite these efforts, the damage had already been done, and the case ultimately fell apart in court.

Public Outrage and Calls for Reform

The acquittal has reignited debates about the effectiveness of South Africa’s criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence and human trafficking. Many activists believe that the NPA failed victims by not ensuring a strong and well-prepared case.

Critics argue that this is not an isolated incident, pointing to other high-profile cases where the prosecution has struggled to secure convictions due to poor case management and legal errors.

There are now growing calls for reform, including:

• Better training for prosecutors to handle sensitive cases more effectively.

• Greater accountability for legal teams who fail in their duties.

• More transparency in how cases are handled to rebuild public trust.

Batohi Takes Responsibility and Orders a Report

Despite the intense criticism, Batohi has made it clear that she takes responsibility for the NPA’s shortcomings.

“The buck stops with me,” she admitted, acknowledging that the public has every right to demand accountability.

To address the concerns raised, Batohi has requested a detailed report from the NPA in the Eastern Cape regarding the handling of the Omotoso case. This report will assess what went wrong and determine whether further action needs to be taken.

What’s Next for the NPA?

While Batohi’s plea for understanding may convince some, the reality is that the Omotoso acquittal has left deep wounds in a country where gender-based violence remains a national crisis. For many South Africans, this case is not just about one failed prosecution—it is about a broader lack of justice for victims.

The NPA now faces an uphill battle to restore public trust, and how it handles future cases will be closely watched.

The question remains: Will this be a turning point for the NPA, or just another chapter in a growing list of judicial failures?