Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, recently acquitted of multiple rape and human trafficking charges, was preparing to leave South Africa on Sunday, according to local media reports.
His departure comes just days after South African prosecutors announced plans to reopen the case.
Omotoso, 66, was cleared last month of 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, after spending eight years in detention.
The acquittal sparked widespread outrage across the country, with the presiding judge citing prosecutorial mishandling as a key reason for the verdict.
Local broadcasters SABC and Newsroom Afrika reported that Omotoso was seen at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport wearing a grey hoodie and sunglasses while speaking with immigration officials.
The exact time of his flight was not immediately disclosed.
A transport ministry official confirmed to AFP that Omotoso was not required to obtain special clearance to exit the country.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated it would appeal the acquittal and investigate the conduct of the prosecution team involved in the original trial.
“The NPA believes there are reasonable prospects for a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” the authority said in a statement.
Omotoso leads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, based in Durban, with additional branches in Nigeria and Israel.
He was re-arrested on May 10 on immigration-related charges, and authorities had indicated he was subject to deportation.
However, a magistrate court ordered his release earlier this week, ruling that he could not be held for more than 48 hours without formal charges.
