Nigerian Pastor Apprehended for Human Trafficking in South Africa
The South African police, the Hawks, has reportedly arrested a Durban-based Nigerian pastor Tim Omotoso, 58, who is being accused of molesting young girls and involving in human trafficking.
Omotoso, the senior pastor of the Jesus Dominion International, was said to have been arrested on Thursday as soon as his flight landed at Port Elizabeth airport at about 3pm.
police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda told SABC News that Omotoso was found in the women toilet at the arrival section where he attempted to hide, the Mr.
However the Pastor's lawyer, Terry Price, had accused the South African police of maltreating his client.
He noted that, "They (the police) are worse than Mugabe's thugs in Zimbabwe,”
"Since when do you arrest an unarmed pastor with eight armed men? He is not a danger.”
A video footage showed heavily armed police officers from the crime unit, whisking him into a waiting car amidst cheers by bystanders.
SABC News revealed that, Omotoso allegedly handpicked the girls (about 30 of them) and instructed them to live in his house where they were forced to have unprotected sex with him.
Some of the victims were reported to have spoke publicly about the sexual harassment they suffered in the hands of the pastor.
The police later disclosed that he has been charged with human trafficking. Protesters who gathered outside the courtroom on Friday asked that his request for bail be denied, while his church members demanded for his release.
It was gathered that Port Elizabeth Magistrate's Court has postponed the case to May 3rd and ordered his remand in prison.
Omotoso, the senior pastor of the Jesus Dominion International, was said to have been arrested on Thursday as soon as his flight landed at Port Elizabeth airport at about 3pm.
police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda told SABC News that Omotoso was found in the women toilet at the arrival section where he attempted to hide, the Mr.
However the Pastor's lawyer, Terry Price, had accused the South African police of maltreating his client.
He noted that, "They (the police) are worse than Mugabe's thugs in Zimbabwe,”
"Since when do you arrest an unarmed pastor with eight armed men? He is not a danger.”
A video footage showed heavily armed police officers from the crime unit, whisking him into a waiting car amidst cheers by bystanders.
SABC News revealed that, Omotoso allegedly handpicked the girls (about 30 of them) and instructed them to live in his house where they were forced to have unprotected sex with him.
Some of the victims were reported to have spoke publicly about the sexual harassment they suffered in the hands of the pastor.
The police later disclosed that he has been charged with human trafficking. Protesters who gathered outside the courtroom on Friday asked that his request for bail be denied, while his church members demanded for his release.
It was gathered that Port Elizabeth Magistrate's Court has postponed the case to May 3rd and ordered his remand in prison.
Comments
Post a Comment
Disclaimer: The comments on the blog are the views and opinions of the readers and does not represent that of Confluence Reporters.