South African authorities have deported Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso after declaring him an undesirable person, despite his recent acquittal in a long-running criminal trial.
Omotoso, who faced charges of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking before being cleared last month, was escorted out of the country on Sunday via OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Police and Home Affairs officials oversaw his departure.
According to The South African, the deportation followed a decision by the Department of Home Affairs to deny his appeal to overturn his prohibited status under Section 8(7) of the Immigration Act. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber upheld the decision, barring Omotoso from returning to South Africa for five years.
“Given that he was in the country illegally, he was issued with a notification as an undesirable person,” said department spokesperson Siya Qoza. “After five years, he may apply to have the ban lifted under Section 29.”
Omotoso, founder of Jesus Dominion International, had been rearrested in East London shortly before his deportation on immigration-related charges.
His acquittal, alongside co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, after an eight-year legal battle, sparked widespread criticism. Activists and civil society groups expressed disappointment, alleging justice was denied to victims of gender-based violence.
In response, Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi requested a detailed report from National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi, expressing concern over the prosecution’s handling of the case.
South Africa has ramped up deportations of undocumented migrants in recent years. Over 180 Nigerians were deported in separate operations in 2024 alone, according to Africanews.com. Omotoso now joins the list of Nigerians expelled amid stricter immigration enforcement.
Leave a Reply