Timothy Omotoso Trial

NELSON MANDELA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 22: Controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso. Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Lulama Zenzile)

Timothy Omotoso trial: Here’s what happens now the case has been postponed

It’ll be six weeks before the Omotoso trial gets underway again. In the meantime, the defence are taking things to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Timothy Omotoso Trial

NELSON MANDELA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 22: Controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso. Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Lulama Zenzile)

The Timothy Omotoso trial has hit something of a cul-de-sac this week, as the matter was postponed for a further six weeks in the Port Elizabeth High Court.

After the first week of explosive, insightful testimony from Cheryl Zondi, the follow-up has been the exact opposite. A slow, turgid pace has gripped the trial after the defence took exception to Judge Mandela Makuala’s courtroom manner.

They accuse him of showing undue bias towards Zondi, thus jeopardising the trial. Advocates Peter Daubermann and Terry Price wanted Makuala to recuse himself from proceedings, but he rejected their demands. So, while we are at a temporary stalemate, what can we expect going forward?

Here’s what happens next in the Omotoso trial:

When will the case be back in court?

Everyone is expected back in the courthouse on Monday 10 December. The delay of six weeks is to allow the defence a chance to take their issue with Makuala to a higher authority.

The defence’s SCA appeal

Omotoso’s legal team will now lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein. They don’t believe Makuala is being fair in keeping himself on the case, and have also taken shots at their client’s charge sheet, labelling it “one of the worst they’ve ever seen”.

Advocate Terry Price was very keen to stress last week that his team don’t feel that Judge Makuala is biased. But rather, they believe he has opened himself up to “perceived bias”.

The magistrate’s decision to wish Zondi good luck in her exams and his efforts to make her feel more comfortable may – in the defence’s terms – push the public into thinking there is an element of favouritism.

Omotoso trial: Will we keep the same judge?

That’s for the SCA to decide. If they agree with the defence team, a new judge will have to be established – which could throw the entire trial into doubt. If they dismiss the application, Makuala will remain in the hot-seat.

Who will the next witness be?

A second witness was scheduled to give testimony, before these recent histrionics. It’s also been suggested that Anele and Neliswa Mxhakaza – better known as the “Idols Twins” for their brilliant appearance on the eponymous TV show – will speak out against Omotoso in court.

The pair claimed he sexually abused them too, and have been vocal in detailing their experiences with the religious figurehead. Omotoso is accused of forcing the girls into human trafficking.