OmotosoTrial: Women share their stories of being under pastor’s control on Twitter
Source: EASTERN CAPE

Timothy Omotoso is seen at the Port Elizabeth High Court on Wednesday. Photo: Raahil Sain / ANA
Cape Town – Two women who belonged to Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso’s Jesus Dominion International church are sharing details of the influence he exerted on their lives on Twitter.

Awande and Sammy started posting about their respective ordeals as another former JDI member Cheryl Zondi faced a third day on the witness stand in Omotoso’s rape and human trafficking trial. Their tweets paint a picture of psychological control, intimidation and estrangement from their families.

Both voiced their support for Zondi and then shared their own experiences in Twitter threads that at times read like a particularly sick psychological thriller.

Read some of Awande’s tweets here:

Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) Tweeted:
We were under some spell, no one in their right mind would do half the things people did, some would even kiss his shoes, he wouldn’t pray for you, he would sometimes say “Kiss my shoes and go prosper” #OmotosoTrial https://twitter.com/Awand_amaQwabe1/status/1052524448245575682?s=17

S A M M Y 🍭 J O N A (@sammy_jona) Tweeted:
This case is so complex. It is bigger the the courts. If you have never been to JDI, you cannot even begin to comprehend what goes down there. Even those who know, still turn a blind eye, ngoba they are scared. The fear is so real, it’s paralysing. #OmotosoTrial #OmotosoTrail https://twitter.com/sammy_jona/status/1052554288646561793?s=17

Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) Tweeted:
Even when he had drank water and not finished it, people would be fighting over that bottle, after the service they will run to his car just so he would speak upon their lives or touch them, he said even his touch or breath is enough to change our lives forever #OmotosoTrial https://twitter.com/Awand_amaQwabe1/status/1052518221532844033?s=17

Awande (@Awand_amaQwabe1) Tweeted:
I had his calender in my room, both at home at Res, I used to kneel before it and pray every morning, I cried when my mother burnt it #OmotosoTrial https://twitter.com/Awand_amaQwabe1/status/1052538722460360704?s=17

OyisaNtlebi👑🌺 (@_MaNcuthu) Tweeted:
“When they arrest Omotoso, they should take his lawyer with him”
#OmotosoTrial #OmotosoTrial https://twitter.com/_MaNcuthu/status/1052602489730666496?s=17

Man’s Not Barry Roux  (@AdvBarryRoux) Tweeted:
So sad to see Other Women defending Rapist Tim Omotoso, as if they don’t have children of their own. #OmotosoTrial https://t.co/JuAcyoJggr https://twitter.com/AdvBarryRoux/status/1052536107336957954?s=17