‘Useless bench warmers’ South Africans Criticize NPA After Omotoso Walks Again

South Africans are outraged and demanding the resignation of NPA officials following Timothy Omotoso’s release once again. This outcry arose due to procedural errors after the NPA set Nigerian TV evangelist Timothy Omotoso free. Omotoso was taken into custody on May 10th by the police on allegations of being an undocumented resident in South Africa. This development occurred shortly after Omotoso had been acquitted of charges related to misconduct against multiple women. The NPA is criticized for a technicality resulting in Omotoso’s release. The evangelist was let go on May 13th due to a mistake in procedures at the Department of Home Affairs. South African law stipulates that individuals detained pending deportation must be brought before a court within 48 hours of arrest. Omotoso, arrested on the 10th, should have appeared in court by 7 a.m. on Monday. However, he was presented in court 7 hours after the deadline had passed, allowing his lawyers to secure his release based on that technicality. The NPA, citing non-compliance with the law by the department, confirmed the release. South Africans have taken to social media to criticize the NPA, with many calling for top officials to resign. Comments on the matter include accusations of incompetence directed at Public Protector Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka and NPA head Shamila Batohi, as well as general criticism of government departments.