By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Televangelist, Timothy Omotoso’s legal team has brought an urgent application to review the decision by Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber, declaring him a prohibited person in South Africa.
Omotoso made an appearance in the East London Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon for an inquiry into his deportation.
The proceedings against Omotoso were delayed for hours on Monday while agitated church members, some wearing choir uniforms, sang in support of the pastor.
Members of other churches, among them some of the city’s prominent clergy, also protested, calling for his immediate deportation. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape joined the call for Omotoso to be deported.
Omotoso, leader of the Jesus Dominion International church, was taken into custody on Saturday while conducting a “New Dawn” crusade in East London.
Home Affairs confirmed that his presence in the country is now unlawful, as he has been declared a prohibited person.
This designation strips an individual of the legal right to remain in South Africa.
According to South Africa’s Immigration Act, a prohibited person may be barred from entering or staying in the country for reasons including criminal history, posing a security threat, or violating immigration laws.
Omotoso’s legal team argued that the decision made by the Minister of Home Affairs was procedurally flawed and legally contestable.
The application was officially lodged shortly after his arrest and is pending review.
This comes less than a month after the Gqeberha High Court acquitted Omotoso of 32 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering, sparking both relief among his supporters and outrage among others who view his return to the pulpit as premature.
His acquittal drew anger across South Africa after the judge found that, while the pastor’s explanations appeared improbable, state prosecutors had mishandled the case against him.
Eastern Cape High Court judge Irma Schoeman criticised the prosecution’s handling of the case, saying the state had not proved beyond a reasonable doubt its case against Omotoso and two assistants, who also faced charges.