Malawian preacher Shepherd Bushiri has expressed his strong support for Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso after his recent acquittal in a highly publicized legal case involving serious charges of rape and human trafficking. Omotoso, the leader of Jesus Dominion International Church, had faced a long and arduous trial in South Africa that lasted eight years, involving allegations that he exploited young women within his ministry. However, after a thorough legal process, the South African court ruled in his favor, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to convict him of the most serious accusations.
In the wake of Omotoso’s acquittal, Bushiri, who leads the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church, spoke out about the toll the legal battle had taken on his fellow preacher. Reflecting on Omotoso’s years in prison, Bushiri compared his experience to a form of torture rather than justice. He expressed sympathy for the trauma Omotoso had endured over the years.
“For eight years, Omotoso was caged like an animal. Every day, he faced the harsh reality of life behind bars, staring at the same cold walls, experiencing despair, and wondering if anyone would remember him,” Bushiri said, describing the painful ordeal. He also criticized the denial of bail and the severe treatment Omotoso faced throughout the trial process.
Bushiri, who himself fled South Africa in 2020 amidst facing charges of fraud and money laundering, empathized deeply with Omotoso’s situation. He described the loss of Omotoso’s ministry, businesses, and reputation as an immense injustice. “They treated him like a monster, watching his life fall apart. His ministry was destroyed, his church was burned, and his dignity was stripped away. Now, after all this, he walks out a free man, but into what? A life in ruins,” Bushiri added.
Drawing from his own experiences, Bushiri criticized what he sees as a systemic targeting of foreign religious leaders who achieve success in South Africa. He argued that being an outsider in South Africa and achieving any level of success makes you a prime target for both persecution and legal battles. “To be a foreigner in South Africa and to dare to succeed is to paint a target on your back. You’ll either be gunned down or locked away until the world forgets your name,” he asserted.
With Omotoso facing deportation after his acquittal, Bushiri strongly advised him to leave South Africa as soon as possible. “To my brother Omotoso, I know you are being deported. Please, with tears in my eyes, I urge you to leave. If there is any opportunity for you to escape before they force you out, take it,” Bushiri advised, showing genuine concern for his fellow preacher’s safety and well-being.
Despite Omotoso’s legal victory, Bushiri’s comments highlight the broader challenges that foreign religious leaders face in South Africa, particularly when they become targets of legal scrutiny. As Omotoso moves on from his acquittal, Bushiri’s advice serves as a warning about the risks of remaining in a country where such battles can have profound consequences on both personal and professional lives.