Outrage Erupts After Omotoso Found Not Guilty in GBV Case

The recent not-guilty verdict in the high-profile case of televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused has ignited widespread outrage, particularly among gender-based violence (GBV) advocacy groups. The ruling has sparked national debate and renewed scrutiny over the effectiveness of South Africa's criminal justice system in handling cases of GBV.

Despite serious allegations of rape and human trafficking brought against Omotoso, the court ultimately ruled that there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. While the legal process requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, critics argue that this outcome exposes deeper systemic failures that continue to let down survivors of gender-based violence.

In South Africa, GBV remains a pervasive crisis. Statistics show that one in three women will experience some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime. The country also has one of the highest femicide rates globally—nearly five times the world average. For many, the Omotoso verdict is not just a single legal outcome, but a reflection of the justice system’s broader inability to deliver justice to survivors.

Organizations such as People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), Rape Crisis, and Masimanyane Women's Rights International have long been at the forefront of the fight against GBV. These groups provide crucial support services—ranging from counseling and legal aid to survivor advocacy—and continue to push for urgent policy reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of violence and improving victim support.

As public trust in the system wavers, this case underscores the need for a justice system that is not only fair and thorough, but also trauma-informed and sensitive to the complexities of GBV cases.

The outrage following the Omotoso verdict is more than a reaction—it’s a call to action. South Africa must urgently reform its legal and support systems to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence are heard, believed, and protected.