Justice Minister gives NPA strict deadline to explain failure to secure conviction for Omotoso

JOHANNESBURG - Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has given the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) a strict deadline to explain its failure to secure a conviction against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso.

Omotoso, along with senior church members Lusanda Solani and Zikiswa Sitho, were accused of luring women into the pastor’s church coercing them into sexual acts and restricting their freedom.

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But the Eastern Cape High Court dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence and poor cross-examination by prosecutors.

Kubayi has given NPA head Shamila Batohi two business days to account for what went wrong.

She wants a full report on why the case collapsed and whether procedural failures contributed to the widely criticised outcome.

Invoking Section 33 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, which gives the minister power to request reports on NPA matters, Kubayi has formally asked for a detailed explanation from the National Director of Public Prosecutions.

“I have given the NDPP until Monday the 7th to give me the report on this matter, and we will take it forward from there.”

The NPA is yet to respond to the minister’s request or the deadline.