NPA has failed in its attempt to gain clarity on the acquittal of charges against Timothy Omotoso, as the Gqeberha High Court rules no further explanation is required. Image Credit: X @NowInSA
(The Post News)- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has failed in its attempt to gain clarity on why 30 charges against controversial evangelist Timothy Omotoso were dismissed. The Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape delivered the ruling this morning.
Judge Nyameko Gqamana affirmed that the earlier ruling by Judge Irma Schoeman concerning Omotoso’s acquittal was clear and did not require further interpretation.
Omotoso, a Nigerian national, was initially arrested by the Hawks in Port Elizabeth in 2017. He was facing multiple serious charges, including rape, human trafficking, sexual assault, and five additional counts related to violations of the Immigration Act. He is believed to have relocated to South Africa in 2001.
On April 2, 2025, the Gqeberha High Court dismissed the major charges against Omotoso, including rape. The legal proceedings had spanned nearly eight years before the charges were dropped.
Following the dismissal, Omotoso was re-arrested on immigration-related charges. However, according to reports, the Department of Home Affairs did not adhere to the proper legal procedures during his arrest, resulting in his subsequent release.
NPA spokesperson, Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, stated that the judge’s ruling did not come as a surprise, considering the case law the NPA had relied on for its interpretation. He explained that, under that legal precedent, the NPA was required to identify the factual findings that led to the accused’s acquittal in order to properly formulate the legal questions for their appeal.
Mhaga further indicated that the presiding judge appeared to suggest the NPA should lodge its appeal first and seek clarification at a later stage if necessary.
His legal representative, Advocate Peter Daubermann, criticized the NPA’s appeal, calling it a “desperate attempt to preserve its dignity.” He further accused the prosecuting authority of misusing state resources. Daubermann argued that the state had failed to present a compelling case during the proceedings and asserted that the acquittal was fully supported by the available evidence.
The High Court is expected to hear further arguments in the matter next week Tuesday.
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