Omotoso, co-accused walk free as judge slams State’s case

SCENES of jubilation played out at the Gqeberha High Court yesterday as televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho walked free after a marathon eight-year trial.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

Omotoso and his two co-accused were acquitted of all charges — racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault — against them by Judge Irma Schoeman.

Handing down judgment, Judge Schoeman said the State had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

According to Judge Schoeman, the State’s bungling of the case was when it failed to properly cross-examine the accused when they had ample time to do so, adding that it was the State’s responsibility to present compelling evidence against the accused and the onus was not on the accused to prove their innocence.

Immediately after the court adjourned, Omotoso, Sulani, and Sitho, who were arrested in 2017, kneeled in the dock and started praying.

Omotoso indicated that he would not immediately pursue compensation for his lengthy incarceration.

“I will rest first,” he said.

Dealing with elements of the cross-examination, Schoeman gave the State a tongue-lashing for its failure.