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NPA to pursue appeal in Omotoso case even after his departure

The National Prosecuting Authority confirms it will appeal the acquittal of Timothy Omotoso, who has left South Africa, stating that his absence does not hinder the legal process.

Cape Argus News
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

NPA to proceed with appeal in Omotoso case despite his exit from South Africa

The NPA has announced plans to appeal the acquittal of Timothy Omotoso, despite his departure from South Africa. What does this mean for the future of the case?

News Crime and Courts
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

ANC Women’s League condemns youth rallies backing Omotoso after court victory

The ANC Women’s League is puzzled by the overwhelming support for Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso from young people in East London.

News Crime and Courts
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

'The judge erred': NPA appeals Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso's rape acquittal

The NPA is set to appeal the High Court's controversial acquittal of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, raising questions about the justice system's handling of serious allegations.

News Crime and Courts
Jonisayi Maromo|Updated

Inside IPHC mass wedding of 3,000: Joyful man marries two wives on Easter Sunday

The IPHC's hosted a historic mass wedding, where over 3,000 members celebrated love and tradition, including unique polygamous unions.

News South Africa
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

CRL Rights Commission vows to investigate Omotoso acquittal amid outcry from victims

As the dust settles on the controversial acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso by the Eastern Cape High Court, the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission has pledged to continue its investigation into the factors that led to the dramatic verdict.

News South Africa
Siyabonga Sithole|Published

Easter in Malawi: Floyd Shivambu praises Prophet Bushiri’s pan-african vision and community impact

MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu visited Prophet Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi, commending his contributions to African spiritual, social, and economic upliftment and advocating for Pan-African unity.

News Politics
Hope Ntanzi|Published

Easter reflections: Paul Mashatile champions church engagement as Ramaphosa urges faithful leadership

ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile has warned the ANC members not to go to church only when they need votes.

News Politics
Kamogelo Moichela|Published

Mass wedding: Over 1,500 couples to wed in a grand Easter ceremony at IPHC church

Experience the grandeur of Easter as the IPHC hosts a historic mass wedding, uniting over 1,500 couples in a vibrant celebration of love and tradition.

News South Africa
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

Regulating religion in South Africa: A renewed debate

The CRL Rights Commission's establishment of a Section 22 Committee aims to tackle abuse and accountability in South Africa's Christian religious sector. However the ongoing debate underscores the challenge of balancing the protection of believers with the autonomy of faith communities.

Mercury
Siphesihle Buthelezi|Published

Easter pilgrimage to Moria: Putco announces 500 buses as ZCC gathering returns

Putco is set to operate nearly 500 buses for the return of the Zion Christian Church's Easter pilgrimage to Moria, marking a significant event after a five-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

News South Africa
Simon Majadibodu|Published

Religious expert Prof Musa Xulu to chair independent committee on religious reform in South Africa

The CRL Rights Commission has appointed Professor Musa Xulu to lead a new independent committee tasked with preserving dignity in South Africa's religious sector. This initiative follows controversial cases like the Timothy Omotoso trial and aims to address spiritual transgressions without regulating religious practice.

News Crime and Courts
Siyabonga Sithole|Published

Watch VideoChurches warned against Vaal River baptisms as flood risks escalate

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina has warned churches to avoid performing baptisms and rituals in the Vaal River this Easter as dam levels exceed 110% capacity.

News South Africa
Simon Majadibodu|Published

Pastor Thabiso Mongatane sentenced for raping vulnerable woman during steaming session

A Limpopo pastor has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for exploiting a vulnerable woman under the guise of spiritual healing, highlighting the urgent need for awareness around abuse of power in religious settings.

News Crime and Courts
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

Kenya’s church donations and colonialism

Christianity has shaped Kenya's political landscape, revealing the intricate ties between religious institutions and political power, and the implications for governance and development.

News
Banthati Sekwala|Published

'Justice system fails victims' | Gender Commission reacts to Omotoso rape acquittal

The Commission for Gender Equality has voiced serious concerns after televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused were acquitted of all 32 charges including rape and human trafficking. Experts warn the high-profile case's collapse could discourage future victims from seeking justice through South Africa's courts.

News Politics
Thabo Makwakwa|Published

Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso to be deported following acquittal on over 30 charges

The verdict has sparked a national conversation about the challenges faced by victims of sexual violence and the complex nature of accessing justice.

News Crime and Courts
Sinenhlanhla Masilela|Published

How the State bungled the Timothy Omotoso rape trial

In a stunning legal conclusion to an eight-year trial, televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused were acquitted of all charges including racketeering and sexual assault. Judge Irma Schoeman delivered a scathing assessment of the prosecution's work, citing 'desultory' cross-examination and failure to properly challenge the accused's testimony.

Cape Times News
Chevon Booysen|Published

Nigerian televangelist walks free: Judge slams State's 'desultory' handling of Omotoso case

In a stunning legal conclusion to an eight-year trial, televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused were acquitted of all charges including racketeering and sexual assault. Judge Irma Schoeman delivered a scathing assessment of the prosecution's work, citing 'desultory' cross-examination and failure to properly challenge the accused's testimony - raising serious questions about the handling of high-profile sexual violence cases in South Africa.

News Crime and Courts
Chevon Booysen|Published

NPA to study judgment and explore options after high court acquitted Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso

The NPA said it will explore its legal options after Timothy Omotoso was acquitted of all 32 charges including racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault.

News Crime and Courts
Sinenhlanhla Masilela|Published

Acquitted Timothy Omotoso expresses relief after eight years in jail

Timothy Omotoso celebrates his acquittal after eight years of trial, expressing relief as supporters rally around him.

Weekend Argus News
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

'NPA has failed victims': CRL Rights Commission says Shamila Batohi must explain as Timothy Omotoso walks

CRL Rights Commission criticises NPA for failing victims as Timothy Omotoso is acquitted by the High Court.

News Crime and Courts
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

Watch Video'Let me rest first': Acquitted Timoty Omotoso speaks after spending eight years in jail

Timothy Omotoso, acquitted after eight years of trial for serious charges, expresses relief as supporters celebrate his freedom.

News Crime and Courts
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

'Let me rest first': Acquitted Timoty Omotoso speaks after spending eight years in jail

Timothy Omotoso, acquitted after eight years of trial for serious charges, expresses relief as supporters celebrate his freedom.

News Crime and Courts
Jonisayi Maromo|Published

Sophiatown church robbery suspects appear in court, possible link to pastor's murder

Three suspects arrested for a series of church robberies in Sophiatown have appeared in court, with police investigating whether they're connected to the shocking 2023 murder of Pastor Wayne Gordon who was killed during a service. Two more suspects remain hospitalised under police guard following a shootout with law enforcement that left another suspect dead. Recovered evidence includes unlicensed firearms and stolen musical instruments worth R2 million.

The Star News
Siyabonga Sithole|Published