The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is expected to appear in the Gqeberha High Court on Monday to argue for leave to appeal the outcome of the Timothy Omotoso case.

This follows Judge Irma Schoeman’s decision earlier this year to acquit televangelist Omotoso and his co-accused on charges of rape and human trafficking.

The judge cited the state’s failure to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, highlighting issues such as poor cross-examination and possible prosecutorial misconduct.

In July, the NPA sought clarification on the judge’s factual findings in the matter, a request that was dismissed and it will now ask the court to grant it permission to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

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The acquittal of the trio on all 32 charges sparked widespread criticism after the judge ruled that even though she did not necessarily believe the accused’s version of events, the state had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Following that judgment, the NPA sought clarification on the factual findings.

However, this request was dismissed by the court, which ruled that such clarification was not warranted.

The NPA is now returning to the court to seek leave to appeal under Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Meanwhile, Omotoso has since voluntarily returned to Nigeria. – Reporting by Sisipho Ngcumbe

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