The case against Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, charged with human trafficking and rape, has been postponed until 11 April.
He will then appear again with two female co-accused in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court. It is likely that the case will then be transferred to the Port Elizabeth High Court.
A provisional trial date is set for 31 July.
The televangelist has been in jail since April 2017. He was arrested at the Port Elizabeth international airport by the Hawks and members of the police’s Tactical Response Team.
He was denied bail twice and has now petitioned the Supreme Court of Appeal on the matter.
Authorisation from the National Director of Public Prosecution is still awaited on centralizing the case, as the crimes were committed in various jurisdictions.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Tshepo Ndwalaza says a few aspects have to be sorted.
“We have charges of human trafficking, rape and sexual assault. We are also trying to find out if the NDPP cannot add the racketeering case in all those charges. The women face the same charges as the main culprit in this matter.”
