Nigerian pastor and televangelist Timothy Omotoso has left South Africa after a decade-long legal battle.
Omotoso was acquitted last month of 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, after spending eight years in jail.
However, his acquittal was met with public outrage, and state prosecutors announced plans to appeal the decision.
Following his acquittal, Omotoso was rearrested on May 10 on immigration charges and declared a “prohibited person” by the Department of Home Affairs, citing that his continued stay in the country was unlawful.
Omotoso opted for voluntary deportation and departed from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, bound for Nigeria.
The Department of Home Affairs has stated that Omotoso will not be permitted to return to South Africa for five years.
