Johannesburg, South Africa — The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has granted the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) leave to appeal the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso on 32 charges, including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
The acquittal was pronounced by the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha in April 2026, with Judge Irma Schoeman noting that the State failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The decision to grant leave to appeal came on June 26, 2026, allowing the NPA to challenge the High Court’s judgment. This development marks a significant turn in the legal battle surrounding Omotoso, who has been a subject of intense public scrutiny due to the nature of the charges against him.
The case has garnered significant attention not only for its high — profile nature but also for the broader implications it has for the prosecution of gender-based violence and human trafficking in South Africa. Judge Schoeman’s ruling was critical of the State, suggesting that the NPA had not followed proper legal procedures in seeking clarification before applying for leave to appeal. This point has been a subject of contention, with some arguing that the NPA’s actions may have undermined the legal process.
The case of Omotoso and his co — accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, has been complex and lengthy, with the NPA facing setbacks in the High Court.
The refusal to provide clarification on the acquittal and the dismissal of a clarification request by the NPA are among the challenges the prosecution has encountered. Unanswered questions remain, including what specific points of law the NPA will challenge in the appeal to the SCA and whether Omotoso and his co-accused will remain in South Africa during the appeal process or leave the country.
The NPA’s strategy for appealing the Omotoso case is yet to be revealed, but the decision to appeal indicates a strong commitment to pursuing justice in this high-profile case.
The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for the prosecution of similar cases in the future.
As the legal battle continues, the case of Timothy Omotoso and his co — accused remains a focal point for discussions on the effectiveness of the legal system in dealing with serious crimes such as rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
The SCA’s decision to grant leave to appeal has reignited public interest and debate on these important issues.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: bombeleni_temp
