The Port Elizabeth High Court in Gqeberha, South Africa, has turned down a request from Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and his two assistants to declare evidence in their rape and trafficking case inadmissible.
The Case:
Timothy Omotoso, 63, and his female assistants, Lusanda Sulani, 41, and Zikiswa Sitho, 33, were arrested in April 2017. Omotoso, who runs Jesus Dominion International Church with branches in Israel and Nigeria, faces 32 charges including racketeering, trafficking in people, rape, and sexual assault. The charges were originally 63 but were reduced after some witnesses withdrew from the case due to delays.
Court Ruling:
Omotoso and his assistants, through their lawyer Peter Daubermann, argued that the evidence against them was obtained unlawfully and should be excluded from the trial. However, Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that the evidence would be allowed in court. This decision follows several previous attempts by Omotoso for a mistrial.
Prosecution Details:
Luxolo Tyali from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that the court’s decision allows the trial to continue. The prosecution claims that Omotoso and his assistants recruited church members and employees under the false promise of spiritual benefits. Once at the hotels in Durban, Israel, or Nigeria, these individuals were allegedly subjected to strict rules, including turning off their cellphones and obeying Omotoso’s instructions. Reports indicate that Omotoso or his assistants would then allegedly choose some of these individuals to go to Omotoso’s private bedroom, where they were allegedly raped or sexually assaulted.
The trial has been adjourned and will resume on 9 November.
