South African Court Denies Pastor Omotoso Bail

Nigerian pastor, Omotosho who was
charged with human trafficking, sexual
assault and the rape of young girls in
South Africa was denied bail by the Port
Elizabeth Magistrate's Court on Monday
morning.



The Durban-based televangelist, who
recently celebrated his 59th birthday
behind bars, has been in custody since his
dramatic arrest at the Port Elizabeth
airport on April 20 by members of the
SAPS Tactical Task Team.



The pastor heard that the first available
date for his second bail application on
new facts would be on August 29.




He is
alleged to have trafficked more than 30
girls and women, who were from various
branches of his church.



State prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel told the
court that this was the earliest time that
both Magistrate Thandeka Mashiyi and the
State would be available.



Defence attorney James Riley confirmed
the dates.

"Obviously my client is disappointed by the
lengthy delay, but understands," he said.



Mashiyi initially denied the pastor's bail
application after he was deemed a flight
risk.


At the time, Hawks chief investigating
officer Peter Plaatjies told the court how
the pastor had a modus operandi similar
to that of skilled sex offenders who
preyed on young girls.



Plaatjies explained how the pastor had
used older women to recruit vulnerable
girls, some as young as 13, who came
from impoverished communities and who
did not have father figures in their lives.


He said these girls would then be vetted,
and transported to a house in Durban
where the pastor lived.



There they would
allegedly be pampered, given luxuries and
cash, and groomed for alleged sexual
encounters with the pastor.



Allegations included that the pastor would
have the girls give him full body massages,
would make them lie on a bed while he
masturbated next to them, before
eventually leading to full penetration.


Source-News24