JOHANNESBURG - The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamala Batohi has expressed deep concern over the acquittal of televangelist Timothy Omotoso.
After an eight-year legal battle, Omotoso and his co-accused were found not guilty on 32 charges that include rape, human trafficking and racketeering.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday at the Gqeberha High Court.
Omotoso spent eight years in prison and, in previous court appearances, he denied all the charges against him.
The televangelist is expected to be deported back to Nigeria as a free man.
The NPA has promised to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this verdict.
A legal expert says the NPA has a tough task if it plans on challenging the verdict on Omotoso's trial.
Mpumelelo Zikalala says there are lot role players within the case that might have resulted to Omotoso walking scot-free.
He has advised the NPA to take its time in studying the judgement before running back to court as there is little to no new evidence that can be added to this case.