A South African court has cleared Nigerian televangelist Tim Omotoso of all charges, ending an eight-year legal battle that saw him imprisoned over accusations of rape and sexual assault.
On Wednesday, the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha ruled that the prosecution failed to establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, as reported by News24.
Despite his acquittal, the 66-year-old pastor will be deported to Nigeria immediately.
Omotoso, the leader of Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, had been facing 32 charges, including sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Judge Irma Schoeman, while delivering the verdict, criticized the prosecution’s handling of the case.
She admitted that some of Omotoso’s explanations seemed unlikely but emphasized that the state failed to meet the burden of proof, leading to his acquittal along with two co-accused individuals.
Omotoso was arrested in 2017 following allegations that he selected young women from his congregation and coerced them into sexual acts under the pretence of spiritual mentorship.
Several women testified against him, including former members of his gospel group, Grace Galaxy, and schoolgirls at the time of the alleged incidents.
The prosecution claimed he exploited vulnerable women through religious influence and sought forgiveness through prayer after each encounter.
His defence, however, dismissed the claims as unfounded and lacking substantial evidence.