Gqeberha – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has embarked on the process of trying to reverse the court ruling that acquitted Nigerian televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso of 32 charges, including rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, and racketeering.
Today, Monday, 14 July 2025, the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Gqeberha, will hear the first part of the appeal process in the case of Pastor Omotoso and his co-accused.
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Pastor Omotoso left South Africa for his home country, Nigeria, earlier this year in May, and has been declared persona non grata by the South African Home Affairs Department.
Explaining the appeal process, NPA spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said today’s court hearing “follows a directive by Schoeman J after the State sent a request for clarification of factual findings in her judgment before the State can request reservation of questions of law in terms of section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 for consideration by the Supreme Court of Appeal”.
Advocate Mhaga said this was the only limited mechanism in which the State can appeal an acquittal judgment in South African law.
“The Honourable Judge then ordered the State and the defence to argue the matter before her after Mr. Omotoso’s attorney notified the Registrar that the defence was opposed to the State’s request,” said Advocate Mhaga.
“We take the view that it will be appropriate and in order for the honourable Judge to provide such clarification before the State can identify and request her to reserve those questions of law.”
