The Department of Home Affairs has acknowledged the East London Regional Court’s decision to free Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso.
Omotoso appeared in court facing accusations of violating the Immigration Act, after being detained in East London’s central business district on Saturday.
His release stemmed from procedural errors; the Department of Home Affairs failed to bring him before a judge within the mandated 48-hour timeframe, which concluded at 7am on Monday.
Omotoso’s court appearance didn’t occur until 2pm that afternoon. The Department indicated it will review its actions after reviewing the formal court ruling.
Separately, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is challenging the ruling from the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha concerning the broader case involving Omotoso and two others.
In April, Judge Irma Schoeman determined the prosecution hadn’t established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for Omotoso and his previous co-accused.
The trio initially confronted over 30 counts, encompassing allegations of rape and human trafficking.
