NPA to appeal Omotoso case in his absence

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) yesterday announced that while it has noted the departure of Timothy Omotoso from South Africa, it will still proceed with the appeal on the acquittal judgment notwithstanding.

- JONISAYI MAROMO [e-mail]

NPA spokesperson, advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, said Omotoso is not required to be present in court when the NPA appeal is made.

"The South African legal system does not require active participation or presence of an accused person during the hearing of an appeal by a court. An appeal process requires the involvement of the legal teams of the appellants and respondents, the Registrar of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), as well as the judiciary," he said.

Mhaga said there was no basis for authorities to block Omotoso from leaving South Africa.