Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested by South African authorities just weeks after acquittal of multiple rape and human trafficking charges.
According to police and the Department of Home Affairs, the 66-year-old pastor of Jesus Dominion International was taken into custody on Saturday morning in East London.
Omotoso was originally arrested in 2017 and charged with 32 counts, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Several young women, some reportedly still in school at the time, testified that he selected them for private prayer sessions that led to abuse. They said he would “pray for forgiveness” following each encounter.
After spending nearly nine years in jail awaiting trial, Omotoso was acquitted last month of all charges.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed the fresh arrest, stating, “Well, I know it’s Omotoso. He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church.”
Masemola added the arrest was coordinated by immigration officials and special police units. “Inspectorate immigration of the Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service and TRT [Tactical Response Team], did effect the arrest.
“The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court somewhere around Monday, and everybody will know exactly what charges he’s facing. But it’s immigration-related matters,” he said.
