The NPA also said it is reviewing the high court ruling that set Omotoso and his two co-accused free.
Weeks after being found not guilty of rape, racketeering and human trafficking charges, Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso has been arrested once again.
Last month the controversial televangelist was acquitted of 30 charges because the court found that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Omotoso was guilty.
The alleged victims of his sexual crimes included female members of his church, some as young as 14, according to court records.
Following his release Omotoso had told reporters that he would continue his ministry.
However, in a dramatic turn of event, national police commissioner Fannie Masemola said Omotoso had been re-arrested on Saturday morning.
Violating the immigration Act
He said Omotoso had been arrested in East London.
“This morning at 5am members of the home affairs immigration inspectorate together with the South African Police Service (Saps) and TRT arrested Omotoso. He will be facing charges in relation to the Immigration Act,” he said.
Masemola said Omotoso would be making an appearance in court on Monday.
The department of home affairs is expected to release a statement on Omotoso’s arrest.
The televangelist had been on trial for eight years at the Port Elizabeth High court.
During his trial there were reports that he had been receiving preferential treatment in prison.
However, the department of correctional services denied this.
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Outrage over Omotoso’s release
His acquittal sent shock waves through the country with some opposition parties expressing their concerns about the verdict in parliament.
The Citizen reported that Omotoso had booked the Orient Theatre in East London to conduct his seven-day crusade from last Sunday, but the municipality cancelled the booking of the hall, apparently due to pressure from the local religious community.
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