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Timothy Omotoso. Photo: Lulama Zenzile
Televangelist accused of rape Timothy Omotoso has been denied bail in Port Elizabeth Superior Court, according to reports.
Judge Phillip Zilwa on Wednesday denied the Nigerian pastor’s latest offer to be released as his trial continued, eNCA reported.
The court determined that Omotoso had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances and had not provided new facts, the report added.
Members and supporters of the Omotoso JDI Church remained gloomy outside the High Court after the application was dismissed. HeraldLive reported.
The defense indicated its intention to file a request for authorization to appeal, according to eNCA.
Omotoso is on trial along with his two co-defendants, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho.
They faced 97 charges, including rape, human trafficking and extortion, for allegedly targeting and recruiting girls for sexual exploitation, News24 previously reported.
The girls are alleged to have been transferred from their homes to two mission houses in KwaZulu-Natal, where they were allegedly forced to engage in sexual acts.
Omotoso had been in jail since his arrest in 2017.
This is a story in development.
– Compiled by Paul Herman
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