Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso in court. Picture: Gallo Images
Judge Irma Schoeman has dismissed the media’s application to broadcast the trial of televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho.
Explaining her decision in the Port Elizabeth High Court on Monday, Schoeman said that both the state and the defence agree that it would not be in the interest of the victims to broadcast the trial’s events and witness testimony.
Omotoso finds himself back in the dock after the dismissal of his application to appeal by the constitutional court.
He and his co-accused face charges ranging from human trafficking to racketeering, as well as rape.
Despite all efforts by his legal team, the pastor spent Christmas behind bars at the St Albans Correctional Centre.
Omotoso has been in custody since his arrest in April 2017. Sulani and Sitho were both out on bail.
The day’s proceedings began with Judge Schoeman asking why the defendants chose to plead not guilty on some of the charges.
Defence lawyer Peter Daubermann said the defendants had chosen not to declare their reasons.
Proceedings then continued with the state calling the day’s first witness who testified on condition of anonymity.
READ NEXT: Omotoso’s application for leave to appeal is a delaying tactic – state prosecutor
(Compiled by Kaunda Selisho)
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