By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A group of women who had accused Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso of rape and sexual abuse, among others, have called for a proper investigation into his acquittal.
The Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Gqeberha has set out a list of disconcerting actions by the prosecutor in the Omotoso case that all contributed to a decision by Judge Irma Schoeman to find the Nigerian pastor and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, not guilty.
Omotoso has been in jail awaiting trial since 2017 after his dramatic arrest at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha in that year. A drawn-out court case followed that was marred by allegations of prosecutorial misconduct.
Originally, Omotoso faced more than 30 charges of rape, racketeering and human trafficking with his co-accused relating to activities at the Jesus Dominion International Church.
While Judge Schoeman said that it was not that she did not believe most of the complainants – who told heartbreaking stories of drug abuse and alcoholism, and how they saw Omotoso as a mentor and a father figure – she said the State had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
During the media briefing, one of the women, identified as Lerato, read a statement on behalf of all the women who testified against Omotoso.
“We have mixed emotions about the verdict. We are disappointed and upset but not dismayed,” she said, adding that the justice system had failed them.
She said there were so many unanswered questions.
“This is our truth, and, unfortunately, we have to continue with our lives with no justice while the perpetrator walks free.
“We will be louder than before so that other victims can come forward,” she said.
Another woman, who read out a letter penned specifically for Omotoso, said: “You violated our bodies and peace.”
“We hope that one day you are held accountable by your conscience, by the law, and by whatever justice that comes your way,” she said.
The woman said although they carry the pain every day, they are still not afraid to speak about what had transpired, adding that they hoped that in the future, a proper investigation would be done so that justice is served.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has also ordered a probe into the conduct of the prosecutors in the matter while an appeal is also under consideration.