Prophet Shepherd Bushiri declared the acquittal of televangelist Timothy Omotoso on 32 criminal charges as evidence of systemic persecution of foreign religious leaders in South Africa, and refused to return to trial.
The South African High Court on Wednesday wiped out all charges, including rape, human trafficking and assault, after eight years of legal battle. Bushiri seized the verdict to strengthen his position that South Africa’s judicial system targets prosperous foreign clergy.
In a Scathing Facebook post, Bushiri elicited similarities between Omotoso’s ordeal and his own legal struggle. “For eight years, they covered their cages (Omotoso) like animals, grabbed his business and saw his life fall apart,” Bushiri writes. “Now he’s walking freely – but what will he bump into? The abandoned reputation, ministry, has been destroyed. This is not justice. This is torture.”
Last month, a Malawian court abandoned 10 of the 12 charges South Africa attempted to indict him, citing the lack of evidence. Only rape and bail claims remain, and Bushiri claims it was manufactured after his departure.
“I was never arrested for rape. These charges only appeared when I asked for evacuation in Malawi,” he said. “What do they really want? My destruction is like Omotoso.”
Bushiri issued a harsh warning as Omotoso faces deportation. The emotional plea highlights Bushiri’s broader accusations that South African authorities weaponize courts to dismantle foreign-led ministries.
