The Mayor of Buffalo City Metro (BCM), Princess Faku, made it clear on Sunday that controversial preacher Timothy Omotoso is not welcome in the city, despite his recent acquittal after a long and complicated trial.
Omotoso, who was charged with over 30 counts, including human trafficking, rape, and sexual abuse, was recently cleared of all charges by the Gqeberha High Court.
The Nigerian-born pastor, head of the Jesus Dominion International Church, is scheduled to host a crusade from May 4th to May 11th at the Orient Theatre in East London, part of the Buffalo City Metro. However, Mayor Faku strongly opposed his presence.
Taking to social media, Faku declared, “Timothy Omotoso is not welcome in our city. He will not be allowed to use any municipal venue, even if he pays for it.”
According to Metro spokesperson Bongani Fuzile, the city government has moved to cancel all bookings connected to the crusade.
Fuzile confirmed, “All reservations made at municipal venues for this event, including those in eQonce and Komani, have been revoked.” These towns fall under the broader jurisdiction of Buffalo City Metro.
Fuzile explained that the decision was made in a broader effort to address the persistent challenge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the region. “Our municipality remains steadfast in building a society where women and children feel safe,” he said.
Gender-Based Violence and Public Outrage
The city’s move follows widespread public outcry over the court’s decision to acquit Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho.
Judge Irma Schoeman, who presided over the eight-year-long case, ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its allegations beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, Omotoso and his associates walked free, leaving many South Africans stunned and angry.
Critics argue that the acquittal could discourage survivors of sexual abuse from coming forward, especially in a country where GBV statistics are among the highest globally.
In 2023 alone, South Africa recorded over 50,000 cases of sexual offenses, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Fuzile noted that allowing Omotoso’s crusade could present serious risks to the safety of young women in the metro, stating, “Hosting this event would send the wrong message and compromise the trust we are working hard to build within our communities.”
NPA Considers Appealing Acquittal
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it is seriously reconsidering the court ruling.
NPA spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said, “A senior counsel has been appointed to work alongside our internal team of sexual offenses prosecutors to assess the prospect of appealing the judgment.”
Mhaga further explained, “This decision is informed by the importance and complexity of the matter, and by the procedural limitation that the state can only appeal an acquittal in terms of Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act.”
Section 319 allows appeals on legal questions arising from an acquittal, but the path to overturn such a verdict is narrow and demanding.
Despite the legal challenges ahead, BCM’s administration insists that public safety remains its top priority. As of now, no municipal venue in Buffalo City Metro will host Omotoso or his church activities.
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