A Nigerian televangelist, recently acquitted of allegations involving the rape of young women from his congregation, was reportedly set to leave South Africa on Sunday, according to local media, just days after prosecutors announced plans to reopen the case.
Timothy Omotoso was acquitted last month of 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, following eight years of incarceration.
The verdict sparked widespread outrage across South Africa, with criticism aimed at the judge’s assertion that the prosecution had mishandled the case.
The 66-year-old pastor was scheduled to depart from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport, heading to his home country, Nigeria, as reported by state broadcaster SABC and Newsroom Afrika.
Televised footage captured Omotoso at the airport wearing a grey hoodie and sunglasses, engaged in conversation with an immigration official.
Details of his exact departure time remained unclear.
An official from the transport ministry informed AFP that Omotoso was not required to obtain clearance from them to leave South Africa.
State prosecutors have confirmed their intent to appeal the acquittal, announcing a review of the prosecution team involved in the initial trial.
“The NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” it said.
Omotoso heads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, headquartered at the eastern South African coastal city of Durban.
The JDI has branches in Nigeria and in Israel, according to the South African government.
Omotoso was rearrested on May 10 on immigration charges and the South African government said he was subject to deportation.
A magistrates court ordered this week he be released, ruling that he could not be detained for more than 48 hours without being charged.