By Nomalungelo Booi
In a stunning turn of events, Pastor Timothy Omotoso, the founder of Jesus Dominion International (JDI) Church, has been acquitted of all charges brought against him, including rape and human trafficking. The verdict, delivered by Judge Irma Schoeman at the Gqeberha High Court, has sent shockwaves throughout the community
The Trial: A Long and Winding Road
Omotoso, along with his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, faced a total of 63 charges, which were later reduced to 32. The allegations against him were severe, with witnesses claiming he sexually assaulted several young women and made untoward sexual comments about them at the JDI mission houses in Durban. However, Omotoso maintained his innocence throughout the trial, which spanned almost eight years
The Verdict: Not Guilty
Judge Schoeman’s ruling was based on the prosecution’s failure to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. She stated that the cross-examination of the accused was of poor quality, which compromised the state’s case. Although the judge personally didn’t believe the accused’s versions of events, she couldn’t convict them due to the lack of solid evidence
Reaction: Celebration and Controversy
Following the verdict, Omotoso, Sulani, and Sitho knelt in prayer, surrounded by their supporters, who celebrated the outcome. However, Omotoso, along with his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, faced acquittal has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about the implications for victims of similar crimes. Many citizens have expressed outrage on social media, citing the high rates of gender-based violence in South Africa and the perceived shortcomings of the justice system
The acquittal means that Omotoso and his co-accused cannot be tried again on the same charges. While the case has officially ended, its impact will be felt for a long time. The trial has raised questions about the accountability of religious leaders and the vulnerability of their followers
This is a developing story, and we’ll continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The Omotoso trial has been one of South Africa’s most high-profile and contentious cases, and its outcome will have far-reaching consequences.
Daily Kasi News 