JOHANNESBURG - JOHANNESBURG - Controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa following his acquittal on rape and human trafficking charges.
Home Affairs confirmed he will not be allowed to return for five years.
Despite the ruling, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has filed an appeal.
It says the legal process will continue, and should the appeal succeed, an application will be made for Omotoso’s extradition.
The decision to deport Omotoso while the appeal is still pending has sparked strong public reaction.
On South African Morning, viewers were asked what they think of government's decision to let Omotoso leave the country amid the NPA's decision to appeal his acquittal.
They shared mixed reactions to the government’s move.
@Mazed51424786 supports his departure, citing frustration with the justice system’s failure to protect women and children. "Let him go home, at least we don't have to hear about him every day and we all know nothing will happen to him. Justice system is failing women and children in this country. What happened to Cwecwe's case?," the viewer wrote.
@FikileMlisana called the decision bizarre. "Considering the fact that NPA said they will appeal. Also, why has government rushed to extradite him? Is government forsaking people again here, as they did when TB Joshua [building] collapsed and many of our people died there and there has never been justice."
@jaybo_1 expressed mixed feelings. "Glad he's out of our country, the NPA is the most useless we've ever had, shame on Batohi."
@PekeurJuanita13 insists Omotoso should not return and should serve time in Nigeria.
Vuyani Mgijima speculates that some officials may be complicit in Omotoso’s crimes. "Maybe some of them are directly involved in his crimes... just like they released Bhashir because he was gonna speak, so they released him so that he could run away!"
Mark Fourie: Notes that double jeopardy prevents retrying Omotoso after acquittal, blaming the NPA for failing to secure a conviction. "He was found not guilty, you can't charge him again it's double jeopardy, should have found him guilty. The NPA did not do their job !!!!"
Sandra Magumede KaMadlala Sozabe: Believes it’s too late for justice. "What's the point too late now his probably busy eating fufu now laughing and saying stupid NPA."