The Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape has found Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso not guilty of all the rape charges that were levelled against him.

Also found not guilty were Zukiswa Sitho and Lusanda Sulani who were co-accused in the high-profile case that involved alleged victims from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

The high court found that the state was not able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Omotoso had a case and set him free after eight years behind bars.

A relieved Omotoso walked out of court and told the media that he would publicly speak tomorrow, 3 April 2025.

Omotoso was arrested after he was accused by former church members of rape. Most of the young girls at the time were members of a choir called Simply Chrysolite. He was also accused of human trafficking while working with Sitho and Sulani who organised the young girls for him.

In the main, they alleged that he kept them in a house in Durban north and took turns having sex with them in a room that was upstairs and it was called the “upper room.” During one testimony by Cheryl Zondi, a former member of the group, it was said Omotoso would not kiss them, saying his mouth is holy and is used for preaching.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is yet to comment on the acquittal.