Bloemfontein, Free State — The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully secured permission from the Supreme Court of Appeal to challenge the acquittal of controversial televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho. This landmark decision breathes new life into a deeply polarizing prosecution, reigniting intense national debate over how the justice system handles gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
In April of last year, the Gqeberha High Court cleared the trio of 32 charges, which included rape, racketeering, and human trafficking, and subsequently blocked the state’s initial bid to appeal the verdict. Following two rejected requests for leave to appeal, the NPA petitioned the Supreme Court of Appeal, presenting a consolidated argument to have the matter reviewed by a full bench of five judges on points of law.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that the prosecuting authority is optimistic about the upcoming proceedings. Kganyago emphasized that the decision to petition the appellate court was preceded by rigorous internal review and legal consultation. “We had to go back, sit down, and look at what would have gone wrong, and we obtained legal opinions confirming there were valid grounds to appeal,” Kganyago stated. He noted that the NPA is now prepared to present factual findings and arguments that were previously rejected by the High Court.
The pursuit of this appeal is reportedly a top priority for the National Director of Prosecution, Advocate Mutib, who is described as deeply passionate about demonstrating the NPA’s legal prowess. According to Kganyago, the primary focus remains on ensuring that the victims of GBVF are heard and that their cases are dealt with justly.
Addressing the logistical complexities of the case, Kganyago clarified the NPA’s strategic approach regarding Omotoso’s current status. The televangelist is currently out of the country, having previously been released due to procedural errors by the Department of Home Affairs during his initial arrest, and was subsequently extradited to Nigeria.
When questioned about whether the NPA has already initiated conversations with Home Affairs or international partners to facilitate a seamless legal process, Kganyago maintained a strict, step-by-step legal approach. He explained that the NPA will only engage extradition protocols after securing a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court of Appeal.
“We will not involve ourselves with the issues that Home Affairs handled at this stage,” Kganyago explained. “Once we win the appeal, we will then have a valid case to answer. We have an extradition treaty with Nigeria, and we will follow the proper processes to ensure he is brought back to the country to face justice.”
Until the appellate court delivers its judgment, the NPA will not prematurely initiate extradition procedures, as the previous court ruling had effectively cleared the accused and left no active warrants hanging over them. However, Kganyago assured that the NPA’s legal teams are fully cognizant of the immediate next steps required and are prepared to act swiftly once the Supreme Court of Appeal rules in the state’s favor.
