A new witness could be called to testify in the trial of charismatic Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused when the case resumes in the Port Elizabeth High Court on Monday.
The 60-year-old pastor along with Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, face 63 main charges and 34 alternative charges that include rape and human trafficking.
They have chosen not to plead.
The case was adjourned last week following the harrowing testimony of 22-year-old student, Cheryl Zondi, who chose to tell her story in open court.
She provided graphic details of her alleged sexual assault and rape at the hands of Omotoso in his home in Durban which began when she was just 14 years old.
Zondi also endured several days of gruelling cross-examination by defence counsel, Peter Daurbermann, which sparked a public outcry and national debate. It even led to Judge Mandela Makaula intervening.
She concluded her testimony last Wednesday to enable her to write her final exams but remains under oath as she may be recalled to the stand again.
Meanwhile, angry residents of Nelson Mandela Bay forced the closure of Omotoso’s Jesus Dominion International Church in Port Elizabeth on Sunday where defiant congregants held out for two hours before abandoning the service and leaving in a fleet of taxis under police protection.
The "Citizens In Unity" group included members of the African National Congress Youth League, ANC Women’s League, and Economic Freedom Fighters, as well as representatives of trade unions and student groups.
The sign above the building in Govan Mbeki Avenue, bearing Omotoso’s face, is also expected to be removed by city officials on Monday.
