NPA has yet to appeal judgment that acquitted Omotoso

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) hasn’t decided whether to appeal the judgment that acquitted controversial televangelist Timothy Omotoso.

It says it has bolstered its team of prosecutors focusing on sexual offences with a senior counsel to consider the prospects of an appeal in the case.

Earlier this month, Omotoso was cleared of all charges by the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha.

Omotoso was arrested in 2017 on multiple charges, including sexual assault, human trafficking, and racketeering.

The pastor, along with his co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, both senior members of his church, stood before the same court when they were freed after a legal battle spanning nearly eight years.

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He also lamented the NPA’s handling of the matter.

The test for an application for leave to appeal is that such an application may only be granted when the court thinks the appeal would have a reasonable prospect of success, or that there are compelling reasons why the appeal should be heard.

The NPA says it's studying the judgment and other relevant decisions made during the trial.

Moreover, the authority said it would consider whether the verdict can be appealed after considering the senior counsel's opinion.