NPA boss Batohi on Omotoso's acquittal: 'A blow to fight against GBV'
The NPA has received widespread criticism following a scathing judgment against the prosecutors who worked on the case.
NPA head Shamila Batohi during a media briefing on 16 August 2024. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamiela Batohi has admitted the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso is a blow to the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The NPA has received widespread criticism following a scathing judgment against the prosecutors who worked on the case.
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Omotoso his co accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were acquitted of all 32 charges including rape, sexual assault, rackattering and human trafficking this week.
Judge Irma Schoeman highlighted the shallow cross-examination by the prosecutors and apparent dishonesty, incompetence and misconduct.
Batohi says she understands the outrage by South Africans: "Like many South Africans, I was quite shocked, surprised, outraged, wondering what happened, what went wrong, this case is a real blow to our fight against sexual and gender-based violence scurge in this country. But more importantly, it has a devastating impact on the courageous victims in this matter."