‘Undesirable’ Omotoso leaves SA
Controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso has been declared a prohibited and undesirable person by the South African government.
He has been barred from re-entering the country for the next five years.
His departure from OR Tambo International on Sunday came in the wake of a protracted legal battle that began with his arrest in 2017.
Over nearly eight years, Omotoso faced 32 charges, including rape and human trafficking involving young female congregants.
Earlier this month, the Gqeberha High Court acquitted him, stating that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The NPA has since filed an appeal against the ruling.
Following his acquittal, Omotoso was re-arrested on immigration-related grounds but was released by the East London Magistrate's Court, which ruled he could not be detained for more than 48 hours without formal charges.
The Nigerian pastor left South Africa on Sunday via OR Tambo International Airport, reportedly heading to an undisclosed African country.
“In the case of Mr Omotoso, we are making sure that he understands what the department is communicating to him, we have explained to him that he is a prohibited person that means that he will not be allowed to return to the country for a period of five years,” said Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza.
Qoza noted that Omotoso retains the right to appeal the ban and the declaration through the Department of Home Affairs after the five-year period.
However, he confirmed that no such appeal has been filed by Omotoso’s legal team thus far.
Stephen van Neel, Head of Immigration and Enforcement at Home Affairs, said Omotoso underwent standard security checks before departure.
“What we found was that he was in possession of a valid Nigerian passport issued two weeks ago. When we processed him, we realised that he was being listed on the system for undesirability – being in the country illegally and secondly the system listed [him] as having fraudulent permits.”
Despite his exit, authorities stated Omotoso will remain under close watch.
His wife, who is still in South Africa, is also under investigation. Van Neel indicated early findings suggest she may be residing in the country unlawfully.
Qoza emphasised the department’s commitment to upholding immigration laws.
“When it comes to immigration, South Africans should rest assured that the department is committed to ensure that we abide and respect the immigration laws without fear or favour.”
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