Zuko Komisa

The Department of Home Affairs has acknowledged the release of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso by the East London Regional Court.
Omotoso’s court appearance followed his arrest on Saturday in the East London central business district on charges related to contravening the Immigration Act.
His release was attributed to procedural missteps by the Department of Home Affairs. According to the court, Omotoso was not brought before a judge within the legally mandated 48-hour window following his arrest, which expired at 7AM on Monday. He only appeared in court at 2PM on Monday afternoon.
The Department of Home Affairs stated that it will deliberate on its next steps after reviewing the written judgment from the court.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is pursuing an appeal against a previous judgment by the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Gqeberha concerning Omotoso and two other individuals.
In April, Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that the state had not successfully proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Omotoso and his former co-accused were guilty of the more than 30 charges they faced, including rape and human trafficking. The NPA’s appeal indicates their continued pursuit of these serious allegations.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to legal expert, Mpumelelo Zikalala on the details of the case.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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