Correctional services to probe Omotoso 'preferential treatment'
The Department of Correctional Services says it is not the first time allegations of preferential treatment have surfaced involving controversial Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso.
According to City Press, Omotoso - who is locked up at the St Albans Prison in Port Elizabeth - is being held in a single cell, with designer suits hanging on the wall and is able to preach to his congregants via a cell phone.
The department's Singabakho Ngxumalo says in 2018 a team was sent to the prison following similar allegations.
"One thing that we picked up that the issues that were raised in 2018 were things that had happened much earlier upon the arrest of Mr Omotoso. Even this time around we said in as much as these are almost the same allegations but we have a duty to investigate and report back to the public," Ngxumalo says.
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He says that a probe is underway.
"It is important for correctional services to ensure that the system remains intact and that whoever tempers with it must be dealt with accordingly."
Ngxumalo says the department is taking the allegations seriously and will do everything in its power to uncover the truth.
Omotoso is on trial in the Port Elizabeth High Court and is facing rape and human trafficking charges along with two co-accused.
He is expected back in court in February.