Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested by South African authorities just weeks after being acquitted of multiple rape and human trafficking charges.
The arrest took place early Saturday morning in East London, according to confirmations from both the South African Police Service and the Department of Home Affairs.
Omotoso, 66, is the founder of Jesus Dominion International church based in South Africa.
He was first arrested in 2017 and faced 32 charges including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
The case, which stretched nearly a decade, involved testimonies from several young women, some of whom were schoolgirls at the time.
They alleged that Omotoso handpicked them and later prayed for forgiveness after sexually exploiting them.
Despite the serious allegations, Omotoso was acquitted last month of all 32 counts after being detained and tried for nearly nine years.
Confirming the latest development, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said, “Well, I know it’s Omotoso.
He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church,” Masemola stated.
He further explained that the arrest stemmed from immigration concerns and involved a joint operation.
“Inspectorate immigration of the Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service and TRT [Tactical Response Team], did effect the arrest,” he said.
“The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court somewhere around Monday, and everybody will know exactly what charges he’s facing. But it’s immigration-related matters,” Masemola added.
