Rape-accused pastor Omotoso to remain behind bars, special entries to be added to court record

JOHANNESBURG - Rape-accused televangelist Timothy Omotoso will remain behind bars until 24 June, but his legal counsel has been given a chance to strengthen its case.

Omotoso and his co-accused, Zukiswa Sitho and Lusanda Sulani, face a staggering 32 charges, which include rape, racketeering, human trafficking, and assault. 

The trio appeared before the High Court in Gqeberha on Tuesday where it dismissed an application to overturn a ruling made in October against the withdrawal of charges they face.

In October, the defence made a Section 174 application to have the charges dropped against the accused which proved futile. 

The application stemmed from a claim made by defence advocate Peter Dauberman, who said that the former State prosecutor, Nceba Ntelwa, incited certain witnesses to commit perjury during their testimonies against the accused.

However, it wasn't all dark and gloom for the Nigerian pastor, who was dealt what seemed like a good card when the presiding judge ordered that special entries be made in their court file.

The trial was remanded to 24 June for the defence to present their case.