Home Affairs shifts focus to Timothy Omotoso’s wife's immigration status
This follows preliminary investigations that found she may also be in South Africa illegally.
FILE: Rape-accused Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused were acquitted on all charges, including rape, racketeering, human trafficking, and assault. Picture: Sipha Kema
JOHANNESBURG - The wife of controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso now has a target on her back, as Home Affairs officials shift their focus to Taiwo Omotoso’s immigration status.
This follows preliminary investigations that found she may also be in South Africa illegally.
Just on Sunday, officials facilitated her husband’s departure from the country after failing to successfully prosecute him for violating South Africa’s immigration laws.
The pastor, who was recently acquitted of rape and human trafficking, has been banned from re-entering South Africa for five years starting at the time his South African Airways (SAA) flight jetted off to Lagos from the OR Tambo International Airport.
Following Timothy’s departure, his wife remains in South Africa surrounded by family members and a few loyal supporters.
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But her presence in the country is now under the microscope.
Home Affairs officials said early findings suggest she may have fraudulent documentation, adding that, should they be verified, this could render her stay in South Africa illegal.
To avoid facing legal consequences, she’s been advised to voluntarily return to Nigeria.
The head of immigration enforcement, Steven Van Neel, said, “We’re still looking into her, and we’ll follow the necessary processes from our side. But early indications are that she’s not legal in the country.”
During the early stages of Timothy's rape and human trafficking trial, Taiwo was often seen in the public gallery, murmuring and gesturing at witnesses on the stand.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is yet to announce its next move, as it considers an appeal against Omotoso’s acquittal in his high-profile sexual offences trial.