Malawian preacher and businessman Shepard Bushiri advised Omotoso to leave South Africa as soon as possible.
Tim Omotoso is a Nigerian televangelist and former senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International (JDI) in Durban, South Africa. He is a prominent figure in South African Christianity, known for his televangelism and charitable initiatives.
Omotoso’s ministry has a global outreach arm, Tim Omotoso Global Outreach (TOGO), and a church arm, Jesus Dominion International, with branches in South Africa, France, and the UK. He founded a 24-hour satellite TV station, Ancient of Days Broadcasting Network (ADBN), and initiated a youth project called “Youth Empowerment Project” (YEP) to mentor young people.
However, Omotoso’s career has been marred by controversy. He faced 32 charges of rape, human trafficking, and racketeering, allegedly grooming and abusing young women, some as young as 14, within his church.
After an eight-year trial, he was acquitted on April 2, 2025, by the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha, with the judge ruling that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Taking to Facebook, Bushiri wrote a post welcoming Omotoso back and saying he was treated like a monster.
“He woke up in a cold cell, staring at the same walls, the same despair, wondering if the world had forgotten him. They denied him bail, treated him like a monster and watched as his life crumbled. His ministry — gone. His businesses — seized. His church was burnt by the mob. His dignity — stripped away,” he said
He concluded by saying, “To you, my brother Omotoso, leave while you still can. If there’s a window you can use to leave quickly before they deport you, do so.”
Bushiri himself faced numerous allegations, including:
Rape and Sexual Assault: He’s been charged with 16 counts of rape related to eight different victims, with allegations of targeting women and girls at his church.
Fraud and Money Laundering: Bushiri’s company has been implicated in fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and Ponzi schemes, with properties and bank accounts seized by South African authorities.
Immigration Irregularities: He’s been accused of having a fraudulent residency permit in South Africa and was arrested in 2019 for fraud and money laundering.
Extradition Case: Bushiri and his wife fled to Malawi in 2020, breaking bail conditions, and are currently fighting extradition to South Africa to face trial.
Also see: Cheryl Zondi breaks down after Omotoso’s verdict
