Picture: for illustration purposes
The ongoing trial of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused witnessed a significant twist on Tuesday as their plea to have their charges dismissed was rejected by the Gqeberha High Court. The decision was handed down by Judge Irma Schoeman, who also dismissed nearly half of the 63 charges against them, due to the state's inability to furnish evidence supporting these allegations.
Defence attorney Peter Daubermann had motioned for this dismissal arguing that the primary evidence against the trio, gathered since the trial's inception in 2018, was majorly undermined by prosecutorial misconduct. Daubermann pinned this misconduct on former state prosecutor, Advocate Nceba Ntwelwa, alleging that he had intentionally influenced witnesses to provide false testimonies.
While Judge Schoeman acknowledged that Ntwelwa's actions were inconsistent with prosecutorial principles, she clarified it impacted only a single witness's testimony and did not render the entire trial as unfair. Consequently, the court-mounted case bearing over 30 major charges encompassing rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking proceeds unhampered.
Omotoso's congregation members have been present throughout his trial, showing him continued support. Meanwhile, an opposing march was led by the ANC Women's League members outside the court on Tuesday, expressing solidarity with Omotoso's alleged victims. Eastern Cape's MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, endorsed Schoeman's judgment.