East London – The East London Magistrate’s Court decision to free Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, arrested over the weekend for immigration law breaches, has divided opinions among South Africans.
A month after the televangelist was acquitted on 32 charges that included rape and other sexual offences he was arrested again on Saturday in the early hours.
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Pastor Omotoso, the leader of the Jesus Dominion International church, was accused of breaking SA immigration laws that many had expected would culminate in his deportation.
Monday came and went, and the controversial figure was not brought to court.
The Nigerian who faced deportation was only brought to the East London Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 – more than the legal limit of 48 hours that the law says a suspect must appear before a court.
Outside, protesters were demanding the immediate deportation of the Nigerian, while another group in support of the televangelist demanded his release.
The East London Magistrate’s Court ruled against Pastor Omotoso’s deportation pending his application against Home Affairs declaring him a prohibited person.
When word spread that the 66-year-old Pastor Omotoso, who spent eight years behind bars while on trial, would not be deported, there were scenes of jubilation and palpable disappointment.
Commenting on the outcome, the National Prosecuting Authority said it was appealing Pastor Omotoso’s acquittal.
