South Africans have reacted with shock and anger following the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused in a highly publicised rape trial. The ruling has reignited debates about justice for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

A key witness in the case, Cheryl Zondo, expressed deep disappointment over the verdict, saying she and others had hoped to prevent Omotoso from harming more women.

“The main concern wasn’t even knowing what he did to us; it’s knowing that he is not going to stop, but he will continue to do this to other women,” Zondo stated.

On Tuesday, Judge Irma Schoeman ruled at the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Although there are aspects of the complainant’s evidence that are satisfactory, I cannot find that the evidence is incredible. However, I cannot find that the evidence of the accused should be rejected as false either. This is because the evidence was not placed in dispute during cross-examination,” Schoeman said.

The verdict has sparked national outrage, with many criticising the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for failing to build a strong case against Omotoso. Social media has been flooded with messages condemning the justice system, with many users on X (formerly Twitter) calling the acquittal a miscarriage of justice.

Political and Public Outcry

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) fiercely criticised the NPA’s handling of the case, accusing it of failing survivors of GBV.

“The NPA has once again failed the victims of gender-based violence. Many survivors already fear reporting crimes due to police victimisation and neglect by healthcare workers,” the party said in a statement.

South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, also weighed in, expressing serious concerns over the trial’s outcome. She has since called on the NPA to submit a full report explaining the failure to secure a conviction.

“I have decided to invoke Section 33(a) of the NPA Act in relation to the Omotoso and others case,” Kubayi said.

In response, the NPA announced it would review the judgment and consider possible legal steps moving forward.

Murder of a Key Activist Raises Further Alarm

In a shocking development, community activist and whistleblower Pamela Mabini, who was involved in the case, was shot dead in early March. She was gunned down while sitting in her car in the driveway of her home in KwaZakhele, Gqeberha. Her murder has raised concerns over the safety of those who speak out against powerful figures.

Meanwhile, Eastern Cape NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that Omotoso will be deported back to Nigeria following the trial.

Omotoso’s case has once again placed South Africa’s justice system under scrutiny. Many activists argue that the high rate of acquittals in GBV cases discourages survivors from coming forward. As the NPA reviews its legal options, civil society groups continue to call for urgent reforms to protect victims and ensure justice is served.