Reasonable prospect of success in appealing verdict in Omotoso sex crimes trial - Batohi

CAPE TOWN - The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi believes there’s a reasonable prospect of success in appealing the verdict in the Timothy Omotoso sex crimes trial. 
 
Two legal teams have combed through the voluminous record to determine where there may have been errors of law in letting the Nigerian televangelist off the hook after a seven-year trial. 

READ: NPA to appeal Omotoso acquittal
 
But on Friday, Batohi told Parliament’s justice committee that given the complexities of the case, this appeal can’t be rushed. 
  
Outraged by April’s acquittal of the controversial church leader, the committee demanded an explanation from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). 
 
Batohi said the NPA filed a request on Monday for the trial judge in the Omotoso matter to clarify certain aspects of her judgment to better inform the appeal application. 
 
The state can only appeal a judgment on errors of law, and not of fact. 
 
Batohi said the NPA’s decision to appeal is informed by an opinion from senior advocates from the Bhisho bar and another by senior NPA advocates. 
 
“Even though Section 3.1.9 of the Criminal Procedure Act does not prescribe a timeframe for filing such papers, we undertake to file the application within a reasonable period to avoid any undue delays.”
 
Omotoso is currently facing deportation charges, which he’s appealing.