Johannesburg – The Department of Home Affairs has explained that Nigerian Televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso, who was recently acquitted of rape and other charges amid a massive outcry, has been arrested to ensure his deportation from South Africa.
Pastor Omotoso, who was acquitted of all 32 charges including rape by Judge Irma Schoeman on 2 April 2025, was arrested early on Saturday, (10 May 2025), in East London, Eastern Cape.
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Giving details of the arrest, Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza said: “A Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster-led law enforcement operation arrested Timothy Oluseun Omotoso in East London this morning”.
Qoza added: “The arrest follows the decision of the minister of home affairs to reject the application submitted by Omotoso in terms of section 8(7) of the Immigration Act that sought to overturn the earlier decision of the Department of Home Affairs to declare Omotoso a prohibited person.
“The minister’s decision means that Omotoso is now illegally in the Republic of South Africa and, therefore, subject to deportation.”
Pastor Omotoso earlier challenged his status as a prohibited person in court, and the court held that his status should be remitted back to the Department of Home Affairs for reconsideration.
“After carefully reconsidering the matter, the minister upheld the decision to declare Omotoso as a prohibited person,” Qoza said.
“In order to ensure compliance with the laws of the Republic, Omotoso is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, (12 May 2025), on charges of contravening provisions of the Immigration Act.”
The department said it continues to be guided by our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law without fear or favour.
Pastor Omotoso’s arrest and imminent deportation come at a time when his acquittal was under review.
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In the recently concluded matter, Pastor Omotoso, leader of the Jesus Dominion International church, and his co-accused, senior members Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, had been accused of luring female congregants to his church, forcing them to perform sexual acts, and restricting their freedom to leave.
Pastor Omotoso, who had been denied bail, was freed after a marathon trial that lasted eight years.
