In the latest news surrounding one of South Africa’s most controversial legal battles, Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has reportedly departed South Africa just days after his rape trial acquittal sparked nationwide outrage.

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Omotoso Acquitted After Eight Years in Jail

Timothy Omotoso, the 66-year-old leader of Jesus Dominion International (JDI), was acquitted last month of 32 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. His acquittal followed an eight-year legal ordeal that began in 2017.

South African Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that the prosecution had mishandled the case, prompting strong backlash from the public and women’s rights advocates across the country.

Departure and Deportation

According to latest news reports from state broadcaster SABC and Newsroom Afrika, Omotoso was seen at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday. Dressed in a grey hoodie and sunglasses, he was spotted speaking with immigration officials before his planned flight to Nigeria.

Although Omotoso was re-arrested on May 10 for immigration violations, a magistrate ruled that he could not be held for more than 48 hours without formal charges. The South African government confirmed he was eligible for deportation, and no further clearance from the transport ministry was required for his departure.

Case Far From Over

Despite the acquittal, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed plans to appeal the court’s decision. “The NPA takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” the authority said in a statement.

Prosecutors also announced they would investigate their own legal team’s handling of the case, aiming to address concerns about justice being denied to the victims who came forward.

About Omotoso and JDI

Omotoso heads the Jesus Dominion International church, headquartered in Durban, South Africa. The church has branches in Nigeria and Israel, according to official government records.

Tags: latest news, Timothy Omotoso, South Africa court, rape trial acquittal, Jesus Dominion International, Nigerian pastor, NPA appeal