Still no justice for brave Omotoso whistleblower Pamela Mabini

IT has been nine months, and the police are no closer to catching the killers of brave whistleblower and community activist, Pamela Mabini, who was instrumental in the arrest of Nigerian televangelist pastor Timothy Omotoso for alleged sex trafficking.

Mabini was shot and killed in her car on the morning of March 7 outside her KwaZakhele home in Gqeberha, where the 46-year-old lived with her mother, two siblings and her niece. 

Her murder sparked a widespread outcry and came just one month before Omotoso, and his two co-accused were acquitted of all charges, including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking. 

Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Sandra Janse van Rensburg, told the Cape Times that investigations were ongoing and no arrests had been made. 

Mabini was recently among those awarded the 2025 Blueprint Africa Whistleblowing Prize for her bravery. 

Between 2015 and 2017, the Cultural, Linguistic and Religious Rights Commission (CRL) conducted an investigative study into the Commercialisation of Religion and Abuse of People’s Belief Systems. The CRL said that during this time, Mabini came forward about a case of alleged sexual violation and possible human trafficking in South Africa by a religious leader. 

“That is how the case of Pastor Omotoso came into being,” the CRL said earlier this year.  

Omotoso was arrested in 2017, accused of raping or sexually assaulting a number of his congregants, one reportedly since she was 14. He eventually faced 63 charges, including racketeering, human trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation, rape and sexual assault. 

“As the Pastor Omotoso case unfolded, witnesses soon attracted unwelcome attention, placing them in harm’s way, that escalated rendering to vulnerabilities and posing a threat to their lives. This was further exacerbated by an inefficient witness protection programme, changes in the prosecution team and the presiding officer that required one of them to retell her testimony to the new team,” the CRL had said. 

Omotoso and his two co-accused were acquitted in April this year. One month later, he reportedly left the country and headed back to Nigeria. 

Mabini's cousin and family spokesperson, Luzuko Gaxamba, said: “The outcome of the case was not an easy thing to accept because nobody was expecting that outcome. Safe to say it was indicated because of the flaws made by the prosecution, but risking your life, taking out your time, all you have in support of the victims and in the end, you find there is no justice. We understand the NPA is appealing, but it is not a good thing because it kills the faith and the spirit of trying to expose this. The reason for being a whistleblower is you want justice to be served. If that fails, you don't feel good.” 

Mabini’s family said it had been the third attempt on her life. 

“It has not been easy for the family. Losing a daughter, a child, or a sister in that way will always be very traumatic for the family. Things have not been the same since her departure. Pamela was also the breadwinner of the family. She was supporting the family. She was looking after her elderly mother, her siblings and her niece," said Gaxamba. 

Mabini is described as a selfless person who lived her life in the service of others, with Gaxamba adding that a whistleblower is prepared to risk their own life for the betterment of society. 

“You are prepared to lay down your own life, you don't care or don't mind about how others are going to judge you, how they are going to retaliate against you. It is a sacrifice you make for the betterment of society. 

“She stopped working to start an NGO because she saw a need. She would go out of her way as a development activist to support other people, especially the needy people. The NGO (Maro Foundation) was focusing on the fight for justice, supporting people, especially those subjected to gender-based violence. She went on further to support the needy children; those at school provide sanitary towels and other things.  She would also go out and support the homeless by cooking and providing hot meals.” 

The timing of the award, which came during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign, meant a lot to the family.  

“There was no better time. We felt very happy and proud that at least there are people recognising her efforts”.

“We highly appreciate that award. When we talk of her legacy, our intention is to focus on three areas. We want to focus on advocacy when we talk about GBV. We want to look at training and development. How do we train people around these matters? Thirdly, we want to support victims.” 

Cape Times