Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who is due to appear in court on Monday, faces possible deportation after his arrest on Saturday.
Omotoso, the leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church, was found not guilty on more than 30 charges of rape and human trafficking in April after an eight-year trial in the Gqeberha high court.
He was arrested on Saturday for contravening provisions of the Immigration Act.
Home affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza said the operation by the justice, crime prevention and security cluster led to Omotoso's arrest in East London.
“The arrest follows a decision by the minister of home affairs to reject the application submitted by Omotoso ... to overturn an earlier decision by the department to declare Omotoso a prohibited person,” Qoza said.
The minister’s decision means Omotoso is now illegally in the country and subject to deportation.
Qoza said Omotoso had legally challenged his status as a prohibited person, and the court held that his status should be sent back to home affairs for reconsideration.
“After carefully reconsidering the matter, the minister upheld the decision to declare Omotoso a prohibited person,” Qoza said.
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