Nigerian televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso has been barred from entering South Africa for the next five years after being served with a prohibition notice at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday afternoon.
Wearing a grey hoodie and keeping his face partially covered, Omotoso had flown into Johannesburg from East London before boarding a flight out of the country. It is not yet confirmed whether he returned directly to Nigeria.
Officials from the Department of Home Affairs and police were present at the airport to enforce the deportation order. Obed Molemo, spokesperson for Christians for South Africa, confirmed the pastor’s departure and the presence of immigration officers at the scene.
According to Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza, Omotoso was declared a prohibited person for two main reasons: overstaying his visa and entering South Africa using fraudulent documentation. An earlier attempt by Omotoso to overturn the prohibition was dismissed by the Minister of Home Affairs.
The controversial pastor had faced a prolonged legal battle in the Gqeberha High Court alongside co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho. They were on trial for multiple charges, including sexual assault and human trafficking, in a case that spanned over seven years. Judge Irma Schoeman acquitted the trio, citing the prosecution’s failure to cross-examine effectively and the lack of corroborating evidence.
Despite his acquittal, Omotoso was arrested again shortly after holding a public religious event in East London known as the “New Dawn Crusade.” He was released pending his appeal against the prohibition decision, but immigration authorities enforced his deportation this week.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that Omotoso will be unable to return to South Africa until the five-year ban expires. At that point, he must apply for the lifting of his prohibited status under section 29 of the Immigration Act.
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