EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA – Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso was arrested by South African police early Saturday morning in East London over immigration-related matters, shortly after presiding over a church service.
Authorities in the Eastern Cape confirmed that the arrest was carried out at around 5 a.m. by officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Inspectorate, and specialised police units, including the Tactical Response Team and National Intervention Unit. Omotoso is currently being held at the Mdantsane police station.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed the arrest and said the preacher is scheduled to appear in court in East London on Monday. While SAPS has not provided full details, it confirmed the charges relate to violations of immigration law.
Saturday’s arrest follows weeks of public debate over Omotoso’s legal status. The Department of Home Affairs had received multiple requests since April to act on his immigration status but had not taken action until now. An official statement released on Saturday afternoon confirmed that Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber had rejected Omotoso’s appeal to reverse a decision declaring him a prohibited person in South Africa. The ruling opens the possibility for his deportation.
The move has sparked mixed reactions, particularly among Omotoso’s supporters. Members of his church gathered outside the Mdantsane police station on Saturday, praying for his release. The Christian of South Africa (COSA), a group backing the televangelist, described the arrest as “a politically charged persecution” and an “abuse of state power.” They claimed Omotoso’s documents were valid, citing confirmation from the Nigerian Consulate.
The preacher had recently been acquitted of serious criminal charges, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault, which brought national and regional attention to his case.
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