Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, have been acquitted of all charges, bringing an end to an eight-year-long legal battle. The charges, which included rape, human trafficking, and racketeering, were dismissed by the Gqeberha High Court due to insufficient evidence.
Presiding Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that while the accused’s explanations were questionable, the prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case, which saw multiple delays—including the recusal of Judge Mandela Makaula and the replacement of lead prosecutor Nceba Ntelwa—ultimately concluded with a verdict in favor of the defense.
Omotoso, arrested at Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport in 2017, has remained in custody for the past eight years, repeatedly denied bail. His co-accused, Sulani and Sitho, were out on R2,000 bail each during the trial. Over the course of the proceedings, the defense successfully challenged the prosecution’s case, leading to 31 charges being dropped before the final verdict.
Judge Schoeman acknowledged that the complainants’ testimonies could not be outright dismissed but emphasized that the state failed to provide conclusive evidence. As a result, Omotoso and his co-accused walked free, marking the end of a controversial trial that had captivated public attention for years.
