By Thapelo Molefe
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced its intention to appeal the controversial acquittal of televangelist Timothy Omotoso and two co-accused.
The decision, confirmed by Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo, follows a detailed internal review and legal opinion by senior counsel, amid widespread public scrutiny of the judgment delivered by Judge Irma Schoeman on 2 April.
The NPA maintains that the judgment contained legal errors and has initiated proceedings in terms of Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the only legal recourse available to the state in appealing an acquittal.
The first step, a request for clarification of the judge’s factual findings, was filed with the Gqeberha High Court on Monday.
“The matter was not rushed due to its complexity and the extensive trial record,” NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said on Tuesday.
“However, we are confident there are reasonable prospects of success on
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