Commissions to launch probe after Omotoso rape acquittal
Three Chapter 9 institutions say they will band together to investigate how the Timothy Omotoso rape and human trafficking case was handled.
The Nigerian pastor and his two co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, were acquitted on all charges in the Gqeberha High Court last week.
Judge Irma Schoeman said in her judgement that the State had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
She particularly found its cross-examination to have been weak.
Chairperson of the Cultural, Religious and Langauge Rights Commission, Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva told a press briefing on Thursday that they were not convinced that justice was done.
"This outcome is bound to make hundreds or thousands of other victims doubt the criminal justice system and become reluctant to even come forward to lay charges. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done."
READ: Omotoso, co-accused acquitted on all charges
Mkhwanazi-Xaluva was joined at the briefing by other commissioners from the South African Human Rights Commission and the Commission for Gender Equality.
Omotoso ran a church in Durban.
He was accused of abusing girls and young women who were allegedly recruited by Solani and Sitho to stay at a mansion he was renting in Umhlanga.
The televangelist was arrested at the airport in Gqebhera eight years ago and had been in custody since.
Mkhwanazi-Xaluva says the trial has shown the weaknesses in the justice system.
"It is therefore imperative that we independently interrogate the gaps highlighted in the judgement and then recommend measures that must be introduced to ensure these do not similarly recur."
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