Listen: The #OmotosoTrial - a recap on what we know so far
It's been a case that many have been talking about. In case you haven't been following it, here's the latest on the Omotoso trial.
Listen as Shadley Nash, News Editor at Algoa FM, shares the latest on the Omotoso trial, or read the details under the podcast.
The Omotoso trial has been one of those explosive cases which has been spewed across every media platform across the country.
Fifty-eight-year-old Nigerian pastor and televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, has been in the media since April last year when allegations of sexual abuse were first made against him.
Currently, IOL reports that Omotoso is facing 63 main charges which range from rape to sexual assault and human trafficking. Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho are the co-accused. They allegedly recruited girls for sexual exploitation in and around SA.
Last week, state witness Cheryl Zondi was put in the dock.
"It is alleged 22-year-old Zondi was one of the girls and young women recruited for sexual exploitation by Omotoso and kept in a mansion in Umhlanga, north of Durban," ECR Newswatch reported in an article.
Zondi was cross-examined by defence lawyer Peter Daubermann, whose no-holds-barred interviewing style was questioned by many. Some called his line of questioning too harsh.
Daubermann submitted an application for presiding Judge Mandela Makaula to recuse himself from the case. This comes after the parting comments he made to Zondi before she left the stand. It was reported that the Judge wished her all the best for her upcoming exams and told her to focus on the future and not the case. Daubermann felt that Makaula showed bias, he was 'sympathetic' towards her, and he let his 'humanity get the better of him'.
Read: Witness details sexual assault in case against Durban-based pastor
[MUST WATCH] Lawyer Peter Daubermann tells Judge Makaula that he needs to critcise him on comments made in the #OmotosoTrial - "You let your humanity get the better of you..." Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/yff8Y7XNwL
— eNCA (@eNCA) October 22, 2018
The recusal application was dismissed by the Judge, no reason was given.
The situation at the Jesus Dominion International Church in Port Elizabeth where Omotoso led his congregants was tense this past Sunday. Outside it saw enraged protesters, while inside saw the congregants dancing, chanting, and even praying for their leader.
Watch below:
Many users on social media had a lot to say about the case and Cheryl Zondi. Take a look at some of the reactions below:
The way Omotoso's lawyer, Peter Daubermann addresses Judge Mandela Makaula makes me uncomfortable. He is so condescending and aggressive. #OmotosoTrial
— IZWELETHU 😭✊🇿🇦 (@miss_andisa) October 22, 2018
Daubermann is looking for any excuse to get rid of this judge. The trial is no longer about what Omotoso did. #OmotosoTrial
— Rogue Poledancer 🎈 (@LeratoMannya) October 22, 2018
#OmotosoTrial
— ®Melanin-Enriched® (@Thy_Queendom) October 15, 2018
This woman doesn't sound rehearsed, she doesn't sound fearful, she doesn't bite her tongue, she doesn't even speak in tongues... she knows her story and answers ever question so eloquently... she is every cross examiner's worst nightmare!!!! I salute YOU girl...
Now he's questioning how she was dressed? Where are we, 1983? It's her fault she was raped because he couldn't control himself because of how she was dressed? This is incredible abuse by an officer of the court :( #OmotosoTrial
— Amanda Watson (@_amandzing) October 15, 2018
I am starting to think Tim Omotoso’s lawyer Peter Daubermann is a rapist himself. #OmotosoTrial
— Man's Not Barry Roux (@AdvBarryRoux) October 16, 2018
To everyone who feels the #Omotosotrial is “too graphic” for TV. Consider this, rape itself is graphic and while we are too busy concerned about how traumatic is it for us to watch - rape victims don’t have the luxury of changing channels, their trauma doesn’t leave. Perspective.
— Pumza Fihlani (@Pumza_Fihlani) October 16, 2018
#OmotosoTrial #CherylZondi VIVA! This young lady is so strong. The line of questioning from defence lawyer is the very reason why so few victims dont report the rape. "Why didnt you scream?" Such Garbage!
— Naledi Moleo (@naledimoleo) October 15, 2018
The trial is said to resume on Thursday, and South Africans are waiting with bated breath to find out what will unfold next.
Do you have any thoughts and comments to share on the #OmotosoTrial? Drop them below.
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