Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, has been rearrested in South Africa just weeks after being acquitted of multiple rape and human trafficking charges.
According to authorities, Omotoso was taken into custody early Saturday morning in East London by South African police in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs.
His latest arrest is reportedly linked to immigration-related violations.
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The 66-year-old pastor, who leads Jesus Dominion International Church, was first arrested in 2017 and faced 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Several young women, some of them minors at the time, had testified that they were abused by Omotoso under the guise of spiritual mentorship.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Omotoso was acquitted last month after spending nearly nine years behind bars awaiting trial. The court cleared him of all charges of rape, trafficking, and sexual assault.
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, confirmed the latest arrest, stating that Omotoso is now facing immigration-related legal proceedings. He is expected to appear in court on Monday.
He 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,” said
“Inspectorate immigration of the Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service and TRT [Tactical Response Team], did effect the arrest.
“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.”
