Court rules that Nigerian televangelist Omotoso can stay in SA for now

EAST LONDON - Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso is once again a free man.
 
He was released after appearing in the East London Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon.
 
Omotoso was arrested on immigration-related charges over the weekend.
 
It's alleged that he contravened provisions of the Immigration Act.
 
This came to light after a Department of Home Affairs investigation.

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The department is now saying that he should be deported. But he is challenging this decision.
 
Omotoso's lawyers argued that his arrest should be stayed pending the outcome of his deportation challenge.
 
However, on Tuesday the East London Magistrates Court ruled that he could not be detained for more than 48 hours, without being charged, as per section 34 of the Immigration Act.
 
Shortly after learning that their pastor was a free man, his supporters could not contain their excitement.

This caused a scuffle between supporters from both sides and at some point, water bottles were thrown at the church members.
 
Members of the public order police, however, managed to get the crowd under control.
 
Omotoso's next step will be determined by the outcome of his application for a review of the deportation order.