South Africa to pursue appeal against Nigerian pastor acquitted of rape

South African authorities will continue legal action against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso. He was acquitted of rape last month but has left the country.

Mr. Omotoso denied 32 charges of sexually assaulting young women from his church in Port Elizabeth. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) plans to appeal the not guilty verdict. They stated that his presence is not necessary for the appeal.

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed Mr. Omotoso flew to Nigeria from OR Tambo International Airport. He was seen on camera wearing a hoodie and dark sunglasses.

Mr. Omotoso was first arrested in 2017 while trying to leave South Africa. One accuser claimed he raped her when she was just 14 years old.

Prosecutors acknowledged there are no legal grounds to stop Mr. Omotoso from leaving after his acquittal. However, if the appeal succeeds, they will seek his extradition back to South Africa.

The statement emphasized South Africa's extradition treaty with Nigeria. On Sunday, officials classified Mr. Omotoso as an "undesirable person." This means he cannot return to South Africa for five years.

Reports indicate that he left the country voluntarily. Mr. Omotoso leads Jesus Dominion International church, which has branches in several countries, including the UK and Nigeria.

His trial was historic as it was the first high-profile rape case broadcast live in South Africa.