The Department of Correctional Services has dismissed claims that Nigerian Televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso, received preferential treatment during his time at the St Albans Correctional Centre in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
The allegations made by a former police officer, who claims to have video evidence relating to the special treatment offered to Omotoso at the facility. During an operational visit to the Eastern Cape on Friday, the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, dismissed these allegations as misleading.
“This allegation came up in 2022, I then instructed that there must be an investigation up on that. We came out with an outcome that indicated that there’s no special treatment that is being accorded to Omotoso at that time. We continued to monitor him as he’s a high-profile inmate, so all high profile and high security classified inmates, are monitored, there is attention given to them,” said Thobakgale.
In addition, Thobakgale said the department has engaged the “alleged whistleblower” regarding the allegations and described most of his allegations as unfounded. The Commissioner said all inmates are treated the same, in accordance with the correctional services act.
“We’re treating all inmates in accordance with the standard operating procedures that are informed by the correctional services act. It’s very instructive on how offenders must be treated.There would be allegations that a specific offender is receiving treatment different from other offenders, be it on the side of a special treatment or being treated badly,” explained Thobakgale.
He sought to assure that all the complaints and cases regarding inmates’ treatment are thoroughly investigated and treated on their merit. Furthermore, the Commissioner highlighted that other inmates are supervised depending on their circumstances.
“Firstly, to ensure that they do not engage in activities that will endanger our officials, other inmates and that they do not become a danger to themselves,” remarked Thobakgale.
Omotoso and two other accused were recently acquitted by the Gqeberha High Court, on charges of rape and human trafficking amongst others.
