On Wednesday (2/4), the High Court in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, acquitted Timothy Omotoso, Lusanda Sulani, and Zukiswa Sitho of all charges related to heinous crimes, including sexual abuse and exploitation. Omotoso, a prominent religious figure, was accused of using his position of power to prey on vulnerable women under the guise of faith.

The ANCWL Provincial Spokesperson, Kelebogile Thulo, expressed the league’s deep disillusionment, calling the verdict a betrayal of every woman who has suffered at the hands of such predators.

“We are outraged, disgusted, and deeply disillusioned by the acquittal of Timothy Omotoso,” Thulo said. “This verdict is not just a failure of the justice system; it is a blatant betrayal of every woman who has ever suffered at the hands of predators like him.”

Thulo emphasised that the justice system’s glaring inadequacies are evident once again, and it has shown a lack of commitment to delivering justice for victims of gender-based violence. 

The ANCWL believes that the NPA had ample evidence to secure a conviction, but that the case was not prosecuted with the urgency, skill, and determination it demanded. “How many more women must be failed before the system takes their suffering seriously?” Thulo asked.

The ANCWL in the province has called for an independent review of the NPA’s handling of the case, as well as stronger legal protections for survivors of gender-based violence. They have demanded a justice system that prioritises victims over technicalities and patriarchal biases.

“The courts continue to side with abusers, allowing men like Omotoso to walk free despite multiple victims risking everything to speak out. The message is clear: the justice system is more comfortable protecting perpetrators than delivering justice for women,” Thulo added.

Furthermore, Thulo highlighted the mysterious death of Pamela Mabini, a brave survivor who stood against Omotoso, which remains a stain on the nation’s conscience. “We have no doubt that her suffering and untimely death are linked to this case, and now, with Omotoso’s acquittal, we fear that justice for her will never see the light of day,” Thulo said.

NPA to study the Timothy Omotoso judgement and consider its legal options pic.twitter.com/OGPt9gbkEa

— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) April 2, 2025

Thulo called on women across all political lines, religious beliefs, and social classes to stand in solidarity, isolate men like Omotoso from society, and reject all forms of abuse, exploitation, and victim-blaming.

Meanwhile a large group of students, men, women, and civil society groups gathered in Bloemfontein on Tuesday (1/4), to demand swift action against those responsible for the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl in the Eastern Cape.

The gathering, organised under the hashtag #JusticeForCwecwe, saw demonstrators hand over a memorandum of demands to Adv. Tsoarelo Malakoane, the Head of the Free State Department of Education. The protest was part of a nationwide campaign calling for justice for the young learner and against gender-based violence.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) also expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation involving Cwecwe, urging the police, NPA, Department of Social Development, and the Department of Basic Education to utilise all available resources to uphold and protect the rights of children. 

The commission has called for immediate action and greater commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of society.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has given the NPA a strict deadline to explain its failure to secure a conviction against Nigerian televangelist Omotoso.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg