The East London Magistrate’s Court has freed Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, 66, and ruled that the Nigerian preacher will not be deported until his application for a review of Department of Home Affairs’ decision is heard in court.

A crowd of congregants supporting Omotoso burst into song and dance, with many holding pictures showing the televangelist’s face.

On Saturday, IOL reported that Omotoso has been arrested in the Eastern Cape.

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fanie Masemola confirmed the arrest on Saturday.

“This morning in East London at about 5am, the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Inspectorate, together with the South African Police Service, arrested Omotoso in the town just after the church. 

“He will be facing charges relating to the violation of the Immigration Act,” Masemola said.

On Monday, IOL reported that Omotoso had filed an urgent high court application to challenge his prohibited status in South Africa, following his arrest on Saturday morning for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act.

The arrest comes weeks after Omotoso was acquitted of multiple serious charges, including rape, human trafficking and sexual assault. 

He and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani, 41, and Zikiswa Sitho, 33,  had faced 32 counts ranging from racketeering and trafficking in persons to rape. 

The trial spanned eight years before the acquittal.

Omotoso, leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, had recently challenged his classification as a prohibited person in court.

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 The court ordered the Department of Home Affairs to consider the matter. 

However, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber upheld the decision to declare him a prohibited person, effectively rendering his presence in the country illegal.

“The arrest follows the decision of the Minister of Home Affairs to reject the application submitted by Omotoso in terms of Section 8(7) of the Immigration Act,” said the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster in a statement.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News

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