The trial of charismatic Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso started in the Port Elizabeth High Court on Monday.
The televangelist and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, face a total of 97 charges, 63 main charges including rape, and racketeering with another 34 alternative charges.
Omotoso's defence counsel has asked the Port Elizabeth High Court to quash all charges against the Nigerian pastor and his two co-accused.
Peter Daubermann submitted a notice of objection to the charges and an application for quashing them all. He slammed the State's charge sheet calling it fatally defective.
He said the charge sheet infringed on the accused constitutional right to a fair trial as it does not contain particulars such the exact date when the alleged offences took place.
State Prosecutor, Nceba Ntelwa told the court that the State acted legally by specifying the area in which the various alleged offences took place.
He said that the state also relies on information provided by the complainants and they could not provide specific details such as the date and time of when the alleged offences took place.
The matter has been adjourned until 3 pm for Judge Mandela Makaula to rule on the submissions.
Omotoso's wife Taiwo was also in court flagged by her bodyguards.
Hundreds of people gathered outside court shouting "We love you daddy" referring to Omotoso.
