NPA Expands Probe into Omotoso Prosecutors as It Seeks Redemption in SGBV Fight

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa is intensifying its internal probe into both legal teams that handled the high-profile Timothy Omotoso case, following a scathing court judgment and an uproar from the public over the acquittal. The investigation now spans beyond the first group of prosecutors originally assigned to the matter, incorporating the second team that subsequently took over the case.

Judge Irma Schoeman’s ruling triggered widespread condemnation after she acquitted Omotoso, a self-proclaimed pastor, citing serious deficiencies in the prosecution’s handling of the case. In her critique, Judge Schoeman stated that the cross-examination of the accused by the prosecution was “shallow and lacking the intention to uncover the truth,” undermining the state’s efforts and failing to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Expanded Investigation and Accountability Measures

In the wake of the verdict, the NPA announced that the internal investigation, initially limited to the first prosecutorial team, would now include the second as well. The prosecuting body emphasized that the move was in direct response to the gravity of the judgment and its implications for public trust and the justice system.

"Since the judgment, the scope of the investigation has been extended to include both prosecution teams, with a view to identify, if necessary, disciplinary steps to be taken against persons involved," the NPA revealed. To manage the broader inquiry, additional officials have been brought in, and a final report is expected in June 2025.

Impact on SGBV Efforts and the Justice System

The NPA acknowledged that the ruling has had a demoralizing effect on the broader campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the country. Victims and advocacy groups have expressed disappointment and concern that the acquittal may discourage survivors from coming forward.

"While in our appeal we maintain that the judge erred in certain of her findings, the Omotoso judgment has had a tragic impact on the victims involved and seriously dented confidence in the NPA and the justice system to address SGBV matters," read the NPA's statement.

Despite the setback, the authority reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against SGBV, emphasizing the essential role of the Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), which provide integrated support to survivors. “The TCCs are world-class multi-agency facilities that provide the most comprehensive support services to victims on their journey to becoming survivors,” the statement added.

Currently, South Africa hosts 66 TCCs, and the NPA indicated ambitious plans to expand this network in the coming years. Importantly, the NPA highlighted a 77% conviction rate for cases routed through the TCCs, a statistic meant to reassure the public of the system’s overall effectiveness.

Successes in Related Prosecutions

To reinforce its credentials, the NPA pointed to recent high-profile successes that reflect its capacity to handle complex and sensitive SGBV-related cases. These include the conviction of individuals in trafficking and rape cases that shocked the nation:

• Advocate Zelda Swanepoel and Advocate Aradhana Heeramun led the prosecution in the human trafficking and kidnapping case of young Joshlin Smith in the Western Cape, resulting in successful convictions.

• A former police officer, Thembalethu Gqeku, was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a 17-year-old girl at the Komga police station—an egregious abuse of power that the NPA successfully prosecuted.

• In another major case, serial rapist S V Prince Themba Shongwe was convicted of nine rapes and four murders involving minors aged between 11 and 16 in Mpumalanga.

A Call for Collective Action Against SGBV

The prosecutorial body stressed that the battle against SGBV cannot be fought by the justice system alone. It urged South African communities to partner with law enforcement to dismantle the structural and societal drivers of abuse.

“SGBV remains an unacceptable scourge in our country. This is a crisis that requires holistic and whole-of-society responses to address,” the statement emphasized.

As the NPA presses ahead with its appeal in the Omotoso case and prepares to release the investigation report in June, its leadership reiterated that they are unwavering in their commitment to justice.

“The NPA remains committed to providing victims of these crimes with the support they need, and the prosecutorial expertise required to ensure that perpetrators are held to account,” it concluded.