Timothy Omotoso acquitted and set for deportation to Nigeria

After nearly eight years of legal battles, Timothy Omotoso, the controversial religious leader accused of human trafficking and sexual offences, has been acquitted of all 32 charges. The ruling, handed down by the court, has cleared Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani (41) and Zukiswa Sitho (35), of all allegations.

Despite his acquittal, Omotoso will be deported back to Nigeria, a decision that marks the end of a highly publicized case that has captivated South Africa and beyond.

A Case Plagued by Delays and Controversies

Omotoso’s trial was one of the most closely watched legal battles in South Africa. The case was characterized by numerous delays, dramatic courtroom testimonies, and public scrutiny.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the extended legal proceedings negatively impacted the prosecution’s ability to present a full case.

“The delays caused some witnesses to no longer want to proceed with giving evidence as they indicated they have since moved on with their lives and are not interested in reliving their experiences in court,” said Tyali.

The trial was notorious for the testimonies of alleged victims, who described harrowing experiences of abuse and exploitation at the hands of Omotoso, whom they claimed used his church as a front for manipulation and coercion.

Cheryl Zondi’s Testimony and the Emotional Fallout

One of the most widely recognized voices in the case was Cheryl Zondi, who courageously testified against Omotoso. Her public testimony became a symbol of resistance against gender-based violence, and she was hailed as a hero by many South Africans.

However, following the court’s verdict, Zondi expressed deep disappointment, saying she felt betrayed by the legal system.

“Our lives have never been the same after coming out about this, and one has to wonder: is this what the last eight years of our lives have come down to?” she said in an emotional interview.

Her statement reflects the frustration and pain experienced by many survivors of sexual violence, who often find it difficult to obtain justice within the judicial system.

A Verdict That Raises Tough Questions

Omotoso’s acquittal has sparked intense debate about the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence in South Africa.

Many gender-based violence activists have pointed to this case as an example of how difficult it is for victims to achieve justice, especially when cases drag on for years, leading to witnesses withdrawing, evidence being lost, and survivors becoming emotionally exhausted.

While some have welcomed the ruling as a victory for due process, others argue that it highlights flaws in the justice system.

The Impact on Gender-Based Violence Awareness

South Africa has long battled high levels of gender-based violence (GBV), and Omotoso’s trial was seen as a landmark case in the fight against sexual abuse within religious institutions.

The trial brought national attention to issues of coercion, manipulation, and abuse of power within places of worship, prompting discussions about how faith-based organizations should be regulated to prevent exploitation.

Now, with Omotoso being deported, some activists worry that the conversation around justice for victims of sexual violence may lose momentum, while others believe it serves as a reminder that more work needs to be done to strengthen legal protections for survivors.

What Happens Next?

With Omotoso’s legal battle now over, authorities will facilitate his deportation to Nigeria, though specific details of the process remain unclear.

Meanwhile, the South African legal system is left to grapple with tough questions about its handling of sexual violence cases. Activists continue to push for reforms that will prevent similar cases from dragging on indefinitely, ensuring that justice is accessible, swift, and survivor-centered.

While the court’s decision has closed one chapter, the larger fight for justice and accountability in cases of gender-based violence continues.