By Sitha Maliwa
The not guilty verdict in the high-profile case against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, has set off an explosive reaction across South Africa, particularly on social media, where outrage is running high. The three were acquitted of over 30 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering, after facing years of legal proceedings. While the courtroom drama has concluded, the fallout from the verdict is far from over.
The ruling, which found the accused not guilty on all counts, has ignited a fierce backlash, especially among women’s rights groups. Activists, who have been vocal in supporting the victims throughout the trial, have taken to social media to express their anger and disappointment. Many are calling the decision a miscarriage of justice, accusing the court of failing to protect the vulnerable women who were allegedly exploited by Omotoso and his associates.
Women’s organisations are denouncing what they perceive as a breakdown in the judicial process, claiming that the system failed to hold accountable a powerful man who allegedly abused his position to manipulate and exploit young women. The public outcry is palpable, with hashtags like #JusticeForTheVictims and #OmotosoVerdict trending across platforms, as users demand accountability for the crimes Omotoso and his co-accused were accused of committing.
Social media platforms have become the central battleground for those who believe justice has not been served. X, Facebook, and Instagram are awash with posts criticising the verdict, with many users questioning the fairness of the trial and the lack of justice for the victims. Memes, videos, and impassioned posts have flooded timelines, with users urging the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to appeal the case.
Many posts have emphasised the failure to protect women’s rights and ensure their safety, while also pointing to the power dynamics at play in the case. Critics argue that Omotoso, a prominent televangelist with a massive following, had undue influence over the court process, leading to the acquittal of the accused.
Women activists have also called for more stringent legal reforms to ensure that cases involving sexual exploitation and human trafficking are not undermined by technicalities. Their demand is clear: they want a system where women’s testimonies are taken seriously and where the legal process does not fail those who have already suffered abuse.
While the majority of social media users are condemning the verdict, there is a vocal group of individuals who support Omotoso, claiming that the court’s decision was the right one. Supporters of the televangelist have flooded social media with messages praising the judgment, arguing that Omotoso was the victim of a smear campaign and that the allegations against him were baseless.
For these supporters, the acquittal is seen as a vindication of Omotoso’s innocence, and they are pushing back against the claims made by victim advocacy groups. Some have gone as far as accusing the media and activists of distorting the facts, with a few claiming that the case was a deliberate attempt to attack the Nigerian televangelist’s ministry and reputation.
However, their voices are being drowned out by the overwhelming response from women’s groups and victims’ advocates, who continue to demand action, not just in the courts but in the broader social landscape.
The ANC Women’s League, which had been a strong supporter of the victims throughout the trial, has made it clear that the verdict does not mark the end of their efforts. While they accept the judgment, they have vowed to continue fighting for justice on behalf of the women involved. Eastern Cape chairperson, Ntandokazi Capa, reiterated that their commitment to supporting the victims remains unwavering. In addition to their support for the victims, the League is calling on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to consider appealing the verdict, arguing that the judgment may have been based on technicalities and not the merits of the case. “We will not stop our fight,” Capa declared. “The victims deserve justice, and we will stand by them every step of the way.” – @NewsSA_Online