In a major development that has reignited public attention, the Minister of Justice has officially declared that controversial pastor Timothy Omotoso has been re-arrested and will be sent back to prison.

The announcement, made earlier today during a brief but firm press statement, confirms that the leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church is now in custody once again after a wave of legal developments and public outcry.

Timothy Omotoso, who has been at the center of a high-profile trial involving charges of rape, human trafficking, and racketeering, is now facing the consequences of what authorities are calling a “recalibrated legal position” by the state.

The re-arrest comes after a period of relative silence in the case, during which his defense had raised multiple appeals, citing violations of legal rights and trial delays.

The Justice Minister stated clearly that after a full review of the legal proceedings and the evidence presented in court over the last several years, the state was “no longer willing to entertain the delays and obstruction tactics.

He added, “This is not just about the rights of the accused.

It is also about justice for the victims, the integrity of our judicial system, and public confidence in the rule of law.

The re-arrest order was executed by law enforcement officials under strict security conditions.

Omotoso was escorted from his residence in Port Elizabeth in the early hours of the morning and taken directly to a high-security holding facility.

Officials confirmed that the arrest was conducted without resistance, and that Omotoso will now remain in custody as the trial resumes at full pace.

The pastor, originally from Nigeria, has been under intense scrutiny since his 2017 arrest, following serious allegations from multiple women, including minors, who claimed to have been lured to his church under the promise of spiritual guidance, only to be sexually exploited.

The trial has since drawn national and international media coverage, due to its disturbing content, high-profile legal maneuvers, and emotional testimonies from alleged survivors.

In recent months, questions had been raised regarding Omotoso’s status, as reports surfaced that he had been allowed to remain under a relaxed detention arrangement while his legal team pushed for trial delays.

This sparked outrage from women’s rights groups, civil society organizations, and members of the public, many of whom accused the justice system of favoring the accused over the victims.

Today’s re-arrest marks a critical moment in the legal process and is being hailed by advocacy groups as a long-overdue action.

“The system has finally acted,” said a representative from Women’s Voice SA.

“Too many times, victims have been silenced or ignored.

This time, the state has shown that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful or religiously influential they may be.

The Department of Justice also confirmed that additional measures are being implemented to prevent further delays.

The presiding judge will continue with the current trial schedule, and no new postponements will be granted unless under extreme and justified circumstances.

According to the Minister, “Justice delayed is justice denied — and in this case, we are correcting that delay.

Omotoso’s legal team has responded to the re-arrest with sharp criticism, accusing the state of violating due process and using the media to sway public opinion.

“We believe this move is politically motivated,” said his attorney.

“There are clear constitutional concerns here, and we will be addressing those in court immediately.

However, legal experts have suggested that the state has taken every step within its rights.

“Given the nature of the charges and the seriousness of the allegations, the state has an obligation to ensure the accused is present, available, and under strict conditions during the trial,” said legal analyst Dr.

Nomsa Ndlovu.

“This is not a minor case.

This is a matter of public interest and victim justice.

As the trial moves forward, new witnesses are expected to take the stand in the coming weeks.

Some of them are first-time participants in the case, offering fresh perspectives and additional evidence.

There are also indications that the prosecution may bring forward new charges related to financial misconduct and fraud within the church’s operations.

Meanwhile, outside the courtroom, public emotion continues to build.

Protesters gathered outside the courthouse within hours of the news breaking, holding placards that read “Justice for the Victims” and “No More Delays.Some were seen crying, others chanting, united by a shared belief that justice must finally be served.

Omotoso’s supporters, though fewer in number, also made their presence known, calling for what they described as “fair treatment” and insisting that their spiritual leader is innocent until proven guilty.

This ongoing polarization reflects just how deeply the case has divided communities, raising questions not only about legal accountability but also about religious influence, gender violence, and power in society.

The Minister of Justice ended his statement with a powerful message: “This country is built on justice.

It may not always come swiftly, but it will come.

To those who’ve waited for their day in court, who’ve held onto pain and trauma — this is the beginning of your healing.

As the nation watches closely, one thing is clear: the re-arrest of Timothy Omotoso is not the end of the story, but the beginning of what could be a defining chapter in South Africa’s ongoing fight for justice and truth.