Controversial religious leader Pastor Timothy Omotoso is preparing to legally contest the South African government’s decision to declare him a prohibited person, following his dramatic arrest on Saturday morning in East London.
Supporters from the Christians of South Africa movement, who have stood by Omotoso since his release from prison on 2 April, confirmed that legal counsel has been appointed ahead of his court appearance on Monday.
Arrest Sparks Political and Religious Controversy
Omotoso was arrested at 5am on Commercial Street, where he had been leading a week-long “New Dawn” crusade at the Jesus Dominion International Church. The arrest followed Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber’s rejection of his application to reverse the earlier prohibited person designation.
However, Obed Molemo, spokesperson for Christians of South Africa, alleged that the arrest was not about immigration status, but rather a move to silence a spiritual leader.
“This arrest is not about documentation. It is about silencing a prophetic voice. Rev Omotoso is being targeted not for what he has done, but for what he represents,” said Molemo.
History of Legal Challenges and Immigration Status
Omotoso had previously been declared a prohibited person while in prison, a decision that was overturned in 2024 by Acting Judge Donovan Pitt, who ordered the Department of Home Affairs to revisit the matter. Despite this court directive, Home Affairs reaffirmed its stance last week, rejecting Omotoso’s latest appeal.
The Department of Home Affairs insists that the move is based on immigration regulations, but Omotoso’s supporters argue that the timing and nature of his arrest suggest a politically and religiously motivated agenda.
Acquittal and Continued Scrutiny
The pastor had spent seven years in St Albans Prison awaiting trial for human trafficking and sexual assault, with charges stemming from accusations by young women associated with his church. He was acquitted on all charges on 2 April 2025, with Judge Irma Schoeman criticising the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for mismanaging the case.
Despite the acquittal, the NPA has not closed the file and is currently reviewing the matter to determine if grounds exist to appeal the ruling. A new senior counsel has been added to the legal team.
High-Security Arrest Operation
In a high-profile operation involving the National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Home Affairs Immigration Inspectors, and elite units such as the National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response Team, Omotoso was arrested “just after church,” raising questions about the level of force used for what is being framed as an immigration matter.
Public Ministry and Popular Support
Since his release, Omotoso has openly resumed public ministry, setting up his “New Dawn” revival in East London. Despite efforts by Buffalo City Mayor Princess Faku to block him from renting public venues like the Orient Theatre, his church secured a private location.
Photos from the crusade showed hundreds of attendees, suggesting the controversial pastor still enjoys significant grassroots support.
Omotoso is expected to appear in court on Monday, where his legal team is likely to challenge the legality and motives behind his arrest and the Home Affairs decision.
