NPA to appeal Omotoso acquittal
The controversial televagelist and two co-accused walked free last month after the judge hearing the matter said the state had bungled the case against them.
FILE: Rape-accused Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused have been acquitted on all charges, including rape, racketeering, human trafficking, and assault. Picture: Sipha Kema
EAST LONDON - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Eastern Cape has decided to appeal a recent judgment that acquitted Timothy Omotoso on multiple sexual abuse charges.
The controversial televangelist and two co-accused walked free last month after the judge hearing the matter said the state had bungled the case against them.
They were arrested in 2017 on charges including rape, racketeering, human trafficking and assault.
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The State presented harrowing testimony from survivors, detailing how Omotoso allegedly used his position to manipulate young women into sexual acts, some as young as 14 years old.
The NPA was criticised by a women's rights activist after a court found prosecutors had failed to prove that the accused were guilty.
NPA national spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said, "We believe there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal".