'We Won't Be Silenced’-Omotoso's accusers speak out
Amid alleged ongoing threats and social media backlash, survivors in the case against Timothy Omotoso have spoken out publicly, reaffirming their claims and condemning the intimidation they have endured.
In April, Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused were acquitted of all charges, including rape and human trafficking.
In a media briefing at the CRL Rights Commission in Braamfontein, some of the women detailed the psychological and emotional abuse they have faced from Omotoso supporters for years.
Addressing the media, Penny Msibi said some of the women have received threats from Omotoso's supporters.
"Not only have we been threatened, but we’ve also been exposed to social media attacks, defamation, and attempts to shame us into silence. They would do anything to protect their leader, even if it means destroying us.
"We laid criminal charges, and one person was sentenced to three and a half years for threatening me. That was proof this is not a fantasy — the threats were real.”
Despite repeated appeals, CRL Commission chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said the witness protection program failed to provide adequate safety measures.
"If you think this country has a functioning witness protection program — well, sitting here, I know it doesn’t work, we had to fight for every ounce of safety. At one point, the Public Protector had to step in and try to get the system to respond — and even then, we walked away with nothing."
Reading out a letter directed at the Nigerian televangelist, Sarah Mofokeng said they refuse to be silenced again.
"You do not get to take our silence ever again, this is not just a story of pain, it’s a story of survival. We’re powerful women, and we’re using our voices not just for ourselves but for those still trapped in silence," Sarah Mofokeng, read out a letter directed to Omotoso.
"You violated our trust, our safety, and our peace. You may think you got away with it, but we’re still speaking our truth."
The women said they were not seeking sympathy — only justice.
“No one would choose to make up the most painful story of their life for sympathy. This isn’t about pity. It’s about truth, healing, and accountability.”
Though they expressed that their journey has been painful, the women remain united in their commitment to justice.
"We once broke the silence, and we will not stop using our voices. We didn’t lie, we stand by our truth, whether the system stands with us or not — we are not going anywhere," said Cheryl Zondi.
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