Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was recently cleared of rape and human trafficking allegations, has departed South Africa and will be prohibited from returning for the next five years, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed on Sunday.
Omotoso, who heads the Jesus Dominion International Church, was spotted at OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend as he prepared to leave the country.
Sources indicate that he is scheduled to arrive in Lagos, Nigeria, by 8 p.m. local time.
His departure comes nearly a month after the Eastern Cape High Court acquitted him of multiple charges — including rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, and unlawfully detaining his followers — charges that led to his eight-year incarceration.
The case captured national attention and sparked backlash from civil society and human rights groups, who argue that the ruling failed to deliver justice for the alleged victims.
His co-defendants, Lusanda Solani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also acquitted, though they may still face renewed prosecution depending on the outcome of an appeal being prepared by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Amid growing public outcry over the ruling, the NPA has launched an internal probe into how the case was managed.
Speaking on the matter, Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza confirmed the five-year entry ban, saying, “After the expiry of that period, he will have to apply for permission to be in the country. At that point, the department will review the application and make a decision.”
While declining to comment on specific travel details, Qoza added, “The department does not comment on people’s travel arrangements but confirms travelling within the African continent.”
Omotoso’s case has remained one of the most polarizing in recent South African legal history, with human rights advocates calling for systemic reform in the prosecution of gender-based violence cases.
Omotoso’s exit follows a May 10 court appearance in East London related to immigration matters. He was released shortly after, prompting speculation that his departure was imminent.
