Prophet Bushiri shows support to Timothy Omotoso
Malawian preacher and controversial businessman Shepherd Bushiri has publicly advised Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso to leave South Africa without delay, following his recent acquittal after a protracted legal battle.
Omotoso, who led the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) ministry in Durban, walked free on April 2, 2025, after the Eastern Cape High Court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the rape, human trafficking, and racketeering charges brought against him beyond reasonable doubt.
The trial, which spanned eight years, drew national attention due to the seriousness of the allegations; many of which involved minors allegedly abused under the guise of spiritual mentorship.
The televangelist, who also founded Tim Omotoso Global Outreach (TOGO) and the Ancient of Days Broadcasting Network, had once commanded a large following across South Africa, the UK, and France.
His fall from grace saw his businesses crumble, assets seized, and his church torched by angry mobs.
Reacting to the court ruling, Bushiri took to Facebook to show support for Omotoso, saying: “He woke up in a cold cell, staring at the same walls, the same despair, wondering if the world had forgotten him. They denied him bail, treated him like a monster and watched as his life crumbled.”
In a direct message to Omotoso, Bushiri warned: “To you, my brother Omotoso, leave while you still can. If there’s a window you can use to leave quickly before they deport you, do so.”
Bushiri’s comments come with weight, given his own controversial exit from South Africa.
He and his wife fled the country in 2020 while facing charges of fraud, money laundering, and sexual assault.
They violated bail conditions and have since resisted extradition from Malawi.
