Lynn Williams
Controversial Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso testified in his defence on Monday, in the protracted rape, racketeering, and human trafficking trial against him and two co-accused.
The 66-year-old Omotoso and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho stand trial on charges in the Gqeberha High Court.
The leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church (JDI) has been behind bars for seven years while his co-accused are out on bail.
Omotoso told the court that he holds a Certificate in Theology and is of Nigerian descent.
The married father of three adult children told the court that he came to South Africa for clergy purposes and by "The Grace of God" considers himself a Christian.
"The Lord God told me to come to South Africa.
"He said Go, and I will tell you what to do."
Omotoso founded the JDI in 2000. The church also has a footprint in England, France, and Israel.
According to Omotoso, the JDI derives its income from offerings, tithes, a television network, and the selling of materials like books.
The court heard that Omotoso's congregants referred to him as the "Man of God" or "Daddy".
He said he did not know why they called him "Daddy" but added that it could be due to his age or it had a spiritual connotation.
Many of the complaints testified that some of the alleged sexual misconduct took place at one of Omotoso's mission houses in Durban, an allegation that Omotoso denies.
He said about 15-20 girls would stay at the mission house at a time for Biblical-related purposes which included music training and rehearsals.
He confirmed that one of the complainants was a minor, but insisted that the 15-year-old girl had been at the mission house with the permission of her parents.
He told his attorney, Peter Daubermann, that the complainants who resided at the mission house did so out of their own free will.
Omotoso believes that many of the alleged inappropriate comments made to the girls were "misconstrued".
He further denied:
Cross-examination will begin on Tuesday morning.
Omtoso has been in custody for more than seven years while Sitho and Sulani are out on bail.
The trial continues.
