By Mpumzi Mshweshwe
Nigerian Pastor and Televangelist Timothy Omotoso was arrested by Eastern Cape Police in the East London CBD in the early hours of this morning, 10 May. The Department of Home Affairs Immigration Inspectorate, together with the SAPS’ National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Tactical Response Team (TRT), arrested Omotoso. The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, confirmed that Omotoso was nabbed for violating the Immigration Act.
The Nigerian pastor was acquitted for rape, sexual assault and human trafficking charges in April by the Gqeberha High Court. The high court judge Irma Schoeman said that the state had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Omoto’s trial has lasted for nearly eight years; he was first arrested in 2017 and has remained in custody since. But a month after his acquittal, he is back behind bars and is believed to be held at the Mdantsane police station.
There was a planned protest march organised by the church and traditional leaders from the Buffalo City Metro (BCM) for 11 May. The clergy and the chiefs opposed Omotoso’s presence in the city, but that march has since been postponed after the news of his arrest. Instead, the protest would be held outside the court during his appearance on Monday.
Omotoso’s arrest came as he was preparing for a revival in Buffalo City, but the churches and traditional leaders disapproved of his visit. Buffalo City Executive Mayor Princess Faku had blocked Omotoso’s planned crusade, which was scheduled to start from 4-11 May.
Speaking to NewsSA Eastern Cape human rights activist, Petros Majola noted that the arrest had nothing to do with his previous charges of rape, sexual assault and trafficking in persons. However, Majola welcomed Omotoso’s arrest.
“Having said that, this arrest could be a blessing in disguise because if he is kept in jail while the investigation continues, it will afford the NPA good chances so that while they are appealing against the judgement where he was acquitted, the State will stand good chances (to ensure) that he remains behind bars until the appeal is concluded,” Majola said.
Majola agreed with the many views that Omotoso should have left the country after his acquittal instead of remaining in South Africa. He said that the State failed to deport Omotoso upon his acquittal because they should have made sure that he was no longer in the country.
“We live in a banana Republic where people can do as they wish. While he is behind bars for charges related to the Immigration Act, the State should use these days or hours to finalize the appeal, or we kiss him goodbye,” Majola said.
People expressed their feelings about Omotoso’s arrest on social media. “Why is he even still in the country?” said Kuhle Ntongana on Facebook. Another Facebook user, Nhlanhla Mgidi, said that this time around, Omotoso should be on trial and sentenced fast. An X user, Kennycool, tweeted that “(the) NPA must do their jobs, SAPS always do their part”.
While a large portion of the people on social media have expressed their satisfaction at his arrest, a crowd of Omotoso’s supporters were seen at the Mdantsane police station in support of their leader, who is set to appear in court on Monday, 12 May. – @NewsSA_Online
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