By Parrot Newspaper Omotoso’s Re-arrest Sparks Xenophobic Outcry in South Africa
The re-arrest of Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso by South African police has sparked a wave of criticism and revived concerns over xenophobia in the country. While officials claim the move follows due legal procedures, many observers—especially within the Nigerian community—view it as yet another instance of systemic bias against foreign nationals. The incident is fueling fears that legal actions are being influenced by long-standing anti-immigrant sentiment rather than justice alone.
Omotoso’s Re-arrest Sparks Xenophobic Outcry in South Africa
On Saturday, the South African police took popular Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotosho into custody again, just weeks after he was acquitted of several rape charges.
He was rearrested for immigration-related issues while in East London, not long after attending church.
Omotosho had been released last month after serving time for raping and assaulting multiple young women at his church.
Speaking to reporters, police commissioner General Fannie Masemola explained that they acted on information from immigration authorities. “He will face charges related to violating the Immigration Act and is set to appear in court this coming Monday,” said the police chief.
Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, added that Omotosho’s arrest came after he tried to challenge the department’s earlier ruling that deemed him a prohibited person. “After taking a closer look at the situation, the minister confirmed that the decision still stands,” Schreiber stated.
Omotosho is scheduled to be in court on Monday, May 12, 2025, for violating immigration laws.
The 66-year-old pastor at Jesus Dominion International (JDI) first faced arrest in South Africa back in 2017 on charges of rape. He was tried on a staggering 32 counts, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
In April, a judge from the Eastern Cape High Court, Irma Schoeman, expressed concern over how the case was handled, stating that the prosecution failed to convincingly prove its case against Omotosho and his two assistants.