Omotoso Rape Trial's First Witness Weathers Grilling from Defence

Peter Daubermann, defence lawyer for Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, directed very personal questions at Cheryl Zondi during cross-examination, including asking why she returned to the Jesus Dominion International Church after she was allegedly sexually assaulted. Port Elizabeth High Court Judge Mandela Makaula reprimanded Daubermann on several occasions, telling him to change his line of questioning. The 22-year-old witness testified that she wanted an apology and closure and added that she confronted Omotoso, an act she said took "guts" to accomplish, and demanded he account for the trauma she endured since she was 14. Omotoso and his two co-accused, Zukiswa Sitho and Lusanda Sulani, face a total of 97 charges related to human trafficking and rape.

Video screenshot of Cheryl Zondi testifying at the trial of Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotioso.

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