The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) is appalled and outraged by the acquittal of Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused on charges of rape, human trafficking, and racketeering. This verdict is not just a failure of the justice system – it is a devastating betrayal of every survivor who has ever come forward seeking justice.
A Justice System That Fails Survivors
“This is a slap in the face to survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa,” said the NSMSA. “How can we expect victims to report crimes and testify when they see cases like this fall apart due to prosecutorial incompetence and systemic failures? The justice system has once again demonstrated that it does not prioritise the rights and dignity of those who have suffered at the hands of abusers.”
The judgment has sparked national outrage, with widespread concerns over the prosecution’s failure to present a strong case. “The poor quality of cross-examination in this trial was shocking. The prosecution failed to challenge the accused’s version of events effectively, which ultimately strengthened the defence’s case rather than dismantling it,” NSMSA states. “This is not just a legal loophole – this is negligence.”
Demand for Accountability and Systemic Reforms
The case has also exposed the lack of adequate support for survivors throughout the legal process. “Survivors like Cheryl Zondi showed immense courage by testifying, yet they were left vulnerable to re-traumatisation, with little to no psychological support from the state,” says the gender justice organisation. “If our justice system cannot even ensure basic protection and assistance for those brave enough to come forward, how can we claim to be serious about tackling gender-based violence?”
The NSMSA is demanding immediate and concrete action. “The National Prosecuting Authority must answer for this failure. The public deserves to know why such a high-profile case was handled so poorly. We call on the NPA to explain how it plans to prevent such prosecutorial disasters in future,” says the NSMSA. “It is time for systemic reforms – our investigation and prosecution processes must be strengthened to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, not let off due to legal technicalities and weak arguments.”
A Call for Change & Urgent Investment in Survivor Support Services
Beyond the courtroom, the NSMSA is calling for urgent investment in survivor support services. “We need real, tangible commitments from the government to increase funding for shelters, counselling, legal aid, and protection services,” emphasizes the shelter movement. “Justice must extend beyond a courtroom decision – it must ensure that survivors can heal and rebuild their lives.”
The acquittal of Timothy Omotoso is not just about one case – it is a damning indictment of a justice system that continues to fail the most vulnerable in our society. “South Africa cannot continue to turn a blind eye to GBVF. We need a cultural shift, a justice system that works, and a society that refuses to normalise violence against women and children,” the NSMSA declared. “If we do not act now, we are sending a message to every perpetrator that they can continue to abuse with impunity. That is unacceptable.”
The NSMSA urges all sectors of society to stand together in demanding accountability, justice, and reform. “We will not be silenced. We will not stop fighting. Survivors deserve better – South Africa deserves better.”
Contact the National Shelter GBV Helpline by calling 0800 001 005, or send an SMS, WhatsApp or Please Call Me to 082 057 8600 / 082 058 2215 / 072 230 7147, or send an email to infohelpline@nationalsm.org.za.
To donate to the NSMSA, visit www.nsmsa.org.za/donate.
For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
