Heated cross-examination continues in Omotoso rape trial

Cheryl Zondi broke down during cross-examination at Timothy Omotoso's rape trial at the Eastern Cape High Court in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.
She faced a barrage of tough questions from Omotoso's lawyer Peter Daubermann.

[@nqobilealex862]

Cheryl was my classmate & I just wanna say I'm super proud of her , she's the perfect definition of a STRONG , BLACK WOMAN ! #wathint'abafaziwathint'imbokodo #cherylzondi we love you dear ❤

[@auditoneusa747]

nqobile alex - Why can’t she be “an extremely strong person who your proud of”? Why do you have to preface “black woman”? signed: educated, strong, American proud white man (just sayin)

[@pascalmolapong4143]

Does this Kid, have parents? Why only Pastors from foreign countries are men of God and a South African Pastor s wouldn't do this is other Countries, because the will be arrested, by here in SA, people can do as they wish.

[@yulyasevelova769]

@@auditoneusa747 Just saw this video now. And these comments. This situation happened in Africa. This pastor and his co- conspirators somehow believe that they can commit these acts, and God will overlook it all. This young woman is very poised and calm, stating facts. Yes , she is a dignified Black woman, giving testimony in a court of law. This pastor, like so many on that continent, have been infected by the toxic American doctrines that American missionaries bring with them. By all accounts terrible people. I was astounded to see this going on in Africa now. I shouldn't be too surprised anymore though. Materialism, power-mad goals, and misogyny rule in U.S. churches, and they spread this filth all over the world. Perverting the very Gospels they claim to represent, as does Omotoso does today. I'm not Black, by the way. Organized Christianity, especially the U.S. variety, causes more harm than good. I wanted to inform a proud White man about such facts.

[@LittleBoats-lz8sm]

Very brave lady

[@fully__goated]

@@auditoneusa747 because he’s a racist

[@sibulelengozi5059]

This is by far the strongest women I know. Uqine sisi

[@purityradebe4082]

Sibulele Ngozi Wow at the age of 22 shes amazing

[@fisokuhlebhengu999]

Sibulele Ngozi Too much bru😥😣

[@imoblessing1029]

Yes she is very 💪

[@hinyikiwilemithi4855]

womAn

[@beautifulcrazy]

Thank you.

[@ndodamakayi5220]

Looks like trauma experts have to intervene in this case as to give a study and explanation of how traumatic patterns have power over one's abilities.

[@neovanila]

I like the way of answering questions. May god give you more strength. We're fully behind you. Just must be served

[@samanthamokhele4421]

I'm so proud of Cheryl... She's so strong and knows her story

[@Mpho503]

This lawyer makes me angry

[@sphehseneli883]

Me too

[@preciousdoiramaalim6101]

Wonder where his head is!!!

[@brysonrowden5322]

He's badgering the witness. I have a question, is this permitted in SA court more than in the US judicial system?

[@edaneo11]

14 years old and you did not tell your mum, how were you going to the church, why did you go to the bedroom????? Why Why Why

[@edaneo11]

A lot going on in my head this girl knew what she was doing, now she is a medical doctor talking about truma, you have a mother, not in speaking terms with your father, girl your life is fucked up and you want someone to blame.

[@bongzb6800]

How did this frog face manipulate so many people? Yoh

[@masesimakhanya4423]

Kkkkk😂😂😂😂

[@isipingoprinters1117]

Where there is money most women do not think twice

[@bongzb6800]

@@isipingoprinters1117 I am a woman and I can tell you I've thought more than twice in many similar situations. I was once sexually harassed at church. I walked and never looked back. I needed to study and had no means. The church was promising to take me to school. I remember how desperate I was but I knew the second I was wrongly touched that, that was not my breakthrough. Not that I blame these girls. I infact understand Cherly. This thing is deeper than mere understanding

[@isipingoprinters1117]

@@bongzb6800 I aplaud you for being a woman of substance I wish all women were like you, but from what I have seen with my eyes women leave their good boyfriends for man with cars and blessers ( I am not jealous I got 3 cars ) when I drive my van women are see me differently then when I drive the BMW . My point is most of these things can be avoided if women can be like you ( I hope you have healed cause I will not lie to you most of us man are evil!)

[@frica466]

🤣🤣🤣this frog used money (his wealth)to manipulate young ladies.....gave them luxury lifesthle...they were travelling oversees..nice places.. including staying ko Mhlanga Dbn....all these forein own churches shud be closed..incl those that make poor pple to eat dog meat;drink jik ; doom spray ect...let ppl stick to those churches like zion..zcc...roman catholic ..nazareth🤗 they hve less scandals🤗🤗🏃‍♀️

[@buziecele5834]

Akasembi nalo Omotoso wokunuka

[@queensteyn8042]

wuhhh Mubi Shem , lomgodoi njandini

[@nosiphomtuzula7722]

Im proud of you Zondi be strong my angel God is watching you and in His own time He will make everything beautiful. I like your confidence. God of the mountain is still God of the valley. Be strong 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@sinalomlindi8699]

Isn't God the reason she's a victim?

[@allmighty9316]

This lawyer is fucking me of

[@Tshepang.Nathan]

I wish JULIUS MALEMA COULD be the one answering these questions...

[@trader2.094]

He would answer them with ease bro

[@blandineumurerwa326]

Yazi nje. If it wasn't for the fact that this Omotosa guy is black, I'd say this lawyer is racist. Only Malema would be able to put him in his place. He has clearly lost this case. Repeating these questions is pure emotional trauma

[@dipuomalema95]

Tshepang Siyase ...yes he would grill that arrogant lawyer till he resigns

[@emlymariya3644]

even me

[@swoosh3684]

I wish Julias Malema was in the court.

[@magalanethema5575]

Zondi is a representation of what they mean when they say women are strong....... Be strong lady all the best god is with the

[@gamejunkie6519]

what do u mean?

[@aspiknf]

No she's a snowflake

[@bvondobvondo2647]

U mean nothing and u not following her answers, what type of rape this. Can't you see she has been exposed. She might have been "raped" that way but factually and legally that can't be rape

[@thestream1]

The lawyer is boring. same questions all over again!

[@Kodak718]

He doesnt know what he is doing

[@isipingoprinters1117]

He is only boring because you have already chose which side you want to win the case

[@ykkrasaoz9748]

Actually it's because he knows exactly what hes doing - this isnt meant to be a riveting movie or doco, it's cross examination. His job here is to find truths she'd rather not emerge and to discredit things she will want the jury to believe. That's done by a very careful and strategic approach by barristers to capture the witness in inconsistencies in their account of facts. Hence the meticulous, incremental, laborious questions.

[@thestream1]

Arman Riazati I understand cross -examination & that this is not a hollywood movie but if you compare this with the Oscar case, the state lawyer there was very creative in asking questions... he had different angles & his questions were not so repetitive... in the Oscar trial, you actually enjoyed watching even though it was a serious case but this lawyer has no charisma or creativity... that’s the angle I’m looking at it... If he’s intentionally boring & repetitive to break the witness so they become emotional & confused, I can’t comment on that.

[@0121-x2j]

he is trying to get her to slip up..

[@fisokuhlebhengu999]

The whole South Africa is behind you, be strong...For Us, we need more people like you💟 Thank You Miss Zondi.

[@thewomanking7925]

We need to understand the word grooming first and also understand that a 19yrs old girl is not a whole woman, if u still don't get it know that you are part of the problem

[@angelawashington2883]

Agreed!!!!

[@aspiknf]

Nah, she was a clever 19 year old so she may have been able to save herself

[@neilnelmar8007]

A 19 year old female is a woman;so stop talking gibberish

[@joesoap572]

​@@aspiknfyou're an oxygen thief

[@elenamorales8243]

Dear Lord Jesus heal this young lady. Thank you Lord for giving her the strength to be strong and bold. So proud of you dear sister.

[@nosiphogiftgift3935]

From Neliswa Mbiza ........Girl am very proud of you❤❤ ....some of us are not as strong as you are....we have your back babe✊✊#viva

[@seancombz4385]

Strong as she was on eating his money before all this show don't forget that

[@slytherinbean7578]

Idk why most people in the comment section are in favor of the girl. Y’all were played lmao

[@iviwemajor4376]

God if Zondi is Telling the Truth plz let Her Win this case for everyone can see and know what is happening out side there, God please don't let fake Posters disuse your name

[@elenamorales8243]

This lawyer will be judged one day.

[@AngieMcQuillinCoaching]

I’ve watched this full interview- the 3.5 hour one and all the others available on YT. I see four things. A) I see an honest brave woman who has the strength of an ox in a tiny frame. I absolutely adore her. To do what’s she doing with that treatment and how she handled it - she deserves a medal! ❤❤❤We need more people like her in the world. B) I see a bully cross examiner who is trying below the belt underhand tactics. Sometimes this man literally disgusted me and I think should be ashamed of himself. I’m not suprised there was uproar about his treatment towards the survivor. C) I see a weak prosecution barrister. He did very little to protect her dispite the defence barristers aggression and provocation. D) I’ve seen a video of the judge and defence barrister go head to head and I really like this judge as well. Rightfully refusing questions from the defence such as “you were open to being raped right?” that were at some point simply disgusting. After anyone has been raped such treatment and questions should not be allowed.

[@nkosinathinceba3314]

This woman seems to be playing the media, bad attitude, fake tears and all that. maybe a chance to get some advertising on tv? feel strongly for real victims but cant believe this one

[@dwaynebrown3606]

What kind of law is this, your allowed to abuse a victim right on the stand.

[@neilnelmar8007]

She was not a victim at that point, she was a complaint

[@bvondobvondo2647]

Go study please you won't ask again

[@roccobierman4985]

Maybe if she didn't have that stupid smirk on her face, more people would believe she experienced "trauma" and "pain".

[@aspiknf]

Exactly

[@mphocraigstoney3910]

You can tell that the Judge knows that the pastor slept with this lady... He is not denying anything and not even trying to show that the lady is lying but he is actually pushing for the court to think she acknowledged the act in order to justify it.

[@Riri.B24]

....

[@thewomanking7925]

Of course he knows as his client he had to tell him everything in order for the lawyer to defend him

[@trader2.094]

I would hire this lawyer, be strong Zondi.

[@aspiknf]

Same I would hire this lawyer

[@justcallmeshane4832]

This lawyer is bad ass I would hire him as well

[@nessa945]

Whether true or not I salute Cheryl for being strong and standing in the mist of men n the government

[@nhlanhlangobese5318]

Nessa Jimmah

[@shafiyaalgiquadra1105]

Whether true or not??Oh my word.

[@beautifulcrazy]

How can you think she's lying? This us exactly why women don't come forward..... The public judgement.

[@neilnelmar8007]

You can't be serious

[@davidpanyane2042]

This lawyer make me so angry jerrrrrrr maaan

[@neilnelmar8007]

Why because he is doing his job?

[@TheSupahJaws]

@@neilnelmar8007 a bad one

[@eulendahmonageng9279]

😂

[@varushkasingh4211]

This lawyer makes me so angry.... she speaks about trauma and he says its irrelevant! But then he talks about her family and facebook! That's irrelevant! He is an absolute monster. How does he sleep at night? No one physically stopped her???? physically??? He has no idea of emotional abuse? Of psychological trauma.

[@bodebode7111]

Varushka Singh You are funny. He shouldn't do his job because of trauma? Successful lawyers don't get where they are without being ruthless. It's what the profession is all about

[@victorkiprono3437]

@@bodebode7111 Exactly. The work of the lawyer is to lead her by asking her one-fact leading questions. I agree with him, what she talked about was irrelevant to his narrative.

[@xzavierhencil4348]

This guy asking the questions ... hayi unesbindi 🙆🏽‍♂️🙆🏽‍♂️🙆🏽‍♂️🙆🏽‍♂️

[@berthashepherd2975]

Who is on trial here? The victim? Really this is just wrong. If you are in a situation like this, you don't think that you have options! Sorry for what happened to you, in the name of the church. Girl you just keep strong and fight back.

[@truthsaviour8804]

The difference between U.S. judicial system and this African system is, lawyers are not permitted to argue with the witness. This cross examination is shameful.

[@prudancetwala3054]

Truth Saviour US is not South Africa

[@neilnelmar8007]

Rubbish !! Defense lawyers conduct Cross examination with the same rigor ,. I

[@yngclothing]

Not true at all

[@hamzawake]

Let me be honest with out being emotional. She maybe raped or molested 25% true but she went back again and again. After even he told her everything going to be the same( sex as usual) ‘rape’ no problem no running away. This long nose lawyer was so boring and kept repeating the same thing over and over. The pastor will pay him well for keeping everyone bored. I think the judge supposed to have control over the court.

[@jonnyaga8904]

As an Attorney, I can say the line of questioning is not unusual but it's the digging-in on some of the questions and the repetition of same questions and leading questions that was over the line of dignity. I can blame the state prosecutor for not raising an objection to some of the questions or the choice of words the pastor's lawyer was fond of using. The ideal advise to the complainant/witness is for her to have her own lawyer who would advise and watch over her. The judge was right in standing in to protect the witness when he realized she was being unfairly attacked by the defense in trying to break her down and cast a credibility cloud over her.

[@justcallmeshane4832]

I noticed that as well he been was hard on her but that's what they do in cases like this

[@davidthompson4383]

I saw nothing wrong with it. He did a good job.

[@simphiwemaqashalala353]

We need such strong women who can stand against toothless hyenas like this lawyer

[@rendanisadiki5077]

She's a strong woman

[@neilnelmar8007]

How so?, her story sounds strange

[@dimpholeyane2481]

Such strength 😭😭😭😭

[@tshifhiwathovhakale9385]

Ihave to say, i like how she speak english... and how she has answers for every question

[@Queenlacoste]

What is the name of this Lawyer...he is so dump....does he even have kids.

[@neilnelmar8007]

This woman is not a kid and he is doing his job

[@mokgadimonicca686]

I love ur spirit girl...stay strong

[@lloydmandava6219]

you know i do not understand why this young girl or young lady did not tell her mom,dad,big brother or even go to the police she ad her cell phone she could've recorded him or something and have evidence to nail him

[@evanessmuvimi1678]

LLoyd Mandava you obviously don’t understand grooming

[@khomotsodaphney8347]

LLoyd Mandava its not easy rape is still a taboo u CNT just tell someone I WS raped

[@lloydmandava6219]

+Khomotso Daphney maybe you're right but why going back that's what i do not understand even her mum warned her not go back but went back why and why didn't mother report the matter it seems something is just amiss here Khomotso please someone make me understand

[@etvscandalfanpage2011]

LLoyd Mandava if you go to church and listen to the way these so called prophets speak you’ll understand: they make you to believe that everything they say is from God saying it through them. They have a way of manipulating you after they notice how much you love God and willing to do anything for him. They talk about convents, sacrifices. They give you prophecies that you shouldn’t tell other people not even your family because you’re Favoured in that family by God more than anyone. So in that case you’ll even look at your mom as a witch you won’t say a thing to her because she’ll act against the will of God. I understand Cheryl’s position and Thank God I saw it coming.

[@makwenabuthane]

This lawyer is really great, but i hate him for defending Omotoso with excellence

[@seancombz4385]

Kkkkkkkkkk I like that u r saying the truth, he is gud n this gal some how her story is not adding up

[@Leylaebru]

Oh my god bless this girl and shame, shame. To the defense. Utterly disrespectful.

[@mondysithole2911]

Doubtful if indeed she was forced. This kind of intelligence clearly shows she wouldn't be forced to do what she don't like.

[@amazon9982]

she got convinced to have sex said yes now claims she's been raped. this woman is ridiculous. this cannot be rape.

[@zlatkajupe]

The fact that she was able to remain so calm while dealing with the POS defense attorney. What a Queen and an inspiration.

[@murphyphukula5252]

Cherly Zondi always remember you are BRAVER than you believe STRONGER than you seem SMARTER than you think and TWICE AS BEAUTIFUL as you'de Imagine... dont let Peter Daubermann claim your light simply because its shinning in his eyes

[@taylorperry2290]

this is depressing, they are interrogating the wrong person. A strong ass women fr.

[@thewomanking7925]

I want to strike this lawyer with a lightning rite now n I hope he has daughters , what an accuse of a human being he is 😡😡😡

[@africanchild9853]

Mxm this white lawyer makes black people fight and I don't like it 🥺🥺

[@brysonrowden5322]

I believe this young lady from Chicago, IL in America.

[@mrmelted8668]

Love South African court system 💪🏽 from ur boie here in the US

[@sthabilephungula1314]

Bese kthiwa ama Nigerian syawasukela😐

[@rad0246]

this lady is strong.

[@nashwin2315]

If she was not under threat of physical harm and did not resist or say no, it is not rape. The man cannot read into her mind and predict her intentions. Besides, why should only the man be guilty if neither of them made it clear what their intentions are?

[@kessyyayah339]

This lady is well coached by her attorney!

[@thamsanqakhoza4554]

Something doesn't add up,

[@thobilenhlanhlashongwe2394]

Yeah something is just not right, so many lope holes

[@lloydmandava6219]

yes you're right something is not adding up here

[@lloydmandava6219]

+thobile nhlanhla yes this man might walk free because too many loopholes

[@thamsanqakhoza4554]

He will be sentenced because the trial has gained so much of coverage media, political parties & organizations...

[@lloydmandava6219]

+Thamsanqa Khoza its not about political coverage it is about proving beyond reasonable doubt because it is a criminal case so coverage is not the issue but evidence

[@lorettawashington-morris2644]

what was the verdict in this trial?

[@mdumiseninsibande3071]

It's still on going

[@botswanaisacountry1745]

She had multiple opportunities to avoid the situation, and she was of age for it to have been considered a consentful act in her inability to detour the sexual advance which has led to her grievance.

[@olamade7096]

Bro you’ve said it all

[@bongiwendleve768]

She was of age when it happened at 19, but when he slept with her at 14 she did not have consent. This guy is sick he slept with a girl since she was 14 with or without consent that is being sick he used his position to get sexual favours from a child and we just have to forget because he is a "man of God"

[@bongiwendleve768]

He should pay for what he did he even lust against woman from his church that is a sin at its own to cheat is also not a good thing he is not an example to the body of Christ

[@oumamoraba1889]

@@Purpletaste2 thank you

[@TOPCAST__]

But let’s first understand the the use of belief in order to blackmail one, One person saw true belief and realized that this is where I will take the advantage of the other, so that one can be lead to believe that what they were told to do was required by God not by the others desire. This is no different to those who make people eat snakes and grass cause emotionally blackmailing them into doing things in belief that God wants these, not aware that the perpetrator is the one who wants these. So they do even if they don’t feel wanting to,as the people who really believe in God normally do

[@adeline_mokoena]

Why she didn't open a case immediately

[@WilgoMettendaf-c3u]

A proud o f you all the way form f suriname

[@AmanShah187]

Omg this whole thing feels so wrong

[@masimthembelala7020]

lenja Omotoso needs a necklace, case closed

[@WilgoMettendaf-c3u]

Sondy youre are good may god help you

[@bazzmcfury9550]

This lawyer has no concept of the difference between physical and mental abuse. Either will prevent someone from acting in there own best interests

[@Dzhambila]

Her arrogance will not help her

[@victoribi8649]

THIS GIRL IS A VERY GOOD LIAR. at 19 and above she couldn't raise any objection nor told anyone. she is a very bad girl liar.

[@silvernightskin]

Wtf....you're disgusting

[@smarttv9487]

Shame but it seems as if this was now an affair

[@hlengiwemhlanga4604]

I just hope she's not fooling us

[@robertddvv2]

hlengiwe mhlanga ... she is an awesome actress, she is being exposed for what she is...a harlot, chasing a famous preacher for money and status. She is very smart though, she knows how to play the game, but I don't think she is winning

[@fromafricatotheworld]

She was not forced physically to stay at he pastor's house. She stayed and did whatever she did with him voluntarily. She was not forced and she is not under age to think that she is mentally incapable to engage in sexual activity with an adult. My conclusion: she was not raped! Period!

[@eloriemcnicol6599]

​@@robertddvv2 He used his spiritual, emotional and physical authority over her to make her feel like she had no other choice. If he is a preacher he has a duty of care whether you like it or not. She is a young girl, he is an older man and he took advantage of the situation. It would have been very, very easy for him to do the right thing but he took advantage of her vulnerability. For a "preacher" he has a very strange view of what's right and wrong. You so quickly call her a "harlot" but what's his excuse?

[@edwinnuwagaba179]

this girl is hiding something

[@jeanchampagne9327]

Defense attorneys heartless

[@amazon9982]

no their not. he could be facing life if sentenced she will go back to her life. she said yes to sex now later says she didn't like it. that's not rape.

[@ccss2351]

eNCA, how do you find this video post appropriate? Intimidation of this victim, interrogation of (SA) trauma, a woman being criticized and ridiculed based on her lack of immediate response while being in a state of shock?

[@josephakwa7718]

Some of these advocates are blatantly stupid! They will do just about anything to earn money. Would this advocate be happy for such questions were to put to her own daughter subjected to abuse. Does this advocate not know such abuses take place all over in South Africa Does he not know snything about power relation and the use of the authority of the bible to subdue others?

[@mwemamella1483]

Why this rape trial being televised? in other jurisdictions such a trial should be in camera to protect the right to privacy and possibility of intimidation to the victim and other witnesses. no such law in South Africa???

[@briansousa3213]

If this is court it sad we’re her Lawer this Lawer knows nothing about rap victims shame on this show poor girl and any case this man was a man of power and used it for sex shameful court and Lawer

[@adamsilesia5753]

I want a law forbiding women from having sex with men 18 to 40. In the past statutory rape laws only applied to adult men...so fair is fair.

[@samanthangwenya8322]

this one nxaaa shiiiiiiit

[@lakeneebob1544]

God will stand behind his servant in this.the world has always juge the church.the lawyer ask good questions.

[@TheHubKiing]

Bantu abamnyama the lawyer is just doing his job....yekelani ukuyi bayizisa marn

[@nebuchadnezzardiko6306]

Objection yourhonor omotoso looks like frog must rot in jail bushiri and lukhau must join him now

[@lesleydyantji476]

i don't have

[@chantellegreen6531]

This lawyer does not know what his doing he is making the situation worse😡😠😡

[@ntombiinonz1017]

Im 100% behind you Zondi you are a very strong woman. You are even strong enough to answer this heartless man questioning you unnecessary questions

[@luteforchrist9118]

This questions are really insensetive 😢

[@aspiknf]

3:49 are people in the public gallery allowed to be on their phones?

[@yvonnentombenhle5582]

Does this judge have kids nje??

[@aspiknf]

What a weak person, she's crying! yes what happened to her is terrible but come on!! so sensitive and people who are supporting her like she's a goddess are sensitive too. The lawyer's questions are fair.

[@ngcolosilwandile9867]

Jou praat kaak

[@onlybygrace7741]

Love at the pastor face and you can see that this girl is speaking the truth

[@teemckenzie9688]

What a brave girl...she handled this nasty lawyer well.

[@lloydmandava6219]

something is not adding up here

[@majorietettey1227]

Hmmm, I hope this lawyer doesn't have a daughter , so he can witness her suffer this rape trauma.....

[@neilnelmar8007]

The lawyer is doing his job

[@sibusisonhlapo3367]

This girl liked older man growing up

[@devigiemariekistiah7436]

Evil cannot be good.Good cannot be evil.

[@0121-x2j]

wtf is grinning about..

[@ald1050]

Why the hell are people on their phones in the court room.

[@barbiehagen8838]

Awe good girl. GOOD GIRL!!!!

[@olamade7096]

A girl blackmailed a guy in capetown last week, just because he didn’t give her up to the amount he promised. I will not share the link for privacy reason. the post went viral until the guy munched thier previous conversations and responded to her post .. what do you call that? She now has been banned on Facebook and Instagram..

[@williebrits6272]

We all want him to be guilty. But her story is wishy-washy

[@kccourt6910]

Wow this guy’s eyes real far apart...

[@nomad4724]

damn he should've yelled hold it

[@khomotsodaphney8347]

who r this two women next to omotoso

[@samanthangwenya8322]

dont loose hpe thts how cross examination goes dear