Self-proclaimed prophet Paseka "Pastor Mboro" Motsoeneng, known for his flamboyant displays and controversial pronouncements, is now facing a week behind bars.
The "panga grandmaster," as he's been dubbed, was arrested along with his bodyguard, Clement Baloyi, and a relative, after a video of them wielding pangas and a rifle at Matshediso Primary School in Katlehong went viral. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
The trio appeared in a packed Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday, facing a litany of charges, including kidnapping, possession of dangerous weapons, discharging of a gun, pointing of a firearm, assault by way of threats, malicious damage to property, possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of a prohibited firearm.
The charges stem from five separate dockets compiled against the accused, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The incident at Matshediso Primary School allegedly unfolded as a result of a family dispute involving the custody of Motsoeneng's grandchildren. The mother of the children tragically passed away in April, leading to a bitter feud between the paternal and maternal sides of the family.
Motsoeneng, accompanied by his bodyguard and relative, stormed the school premises, brandishing weapons and engaging in a heated altercation. The video footage, which quickly circulated on social media, shows Motsoeneng handing a panga to his relative, while Baloyi is seen carrying an assault rifle. The trio then left the school with two minor children, leaving a trail of fear and chaos in their wake.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many expressing outrage at the blatant disregard for the law and the safety of children.
Executive mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, expressed his disappointment and called for calm ahead of the court appearance. "We were shocked, and really we are calling for calm because the pastor is a leader of a church – a very important institution in our society," said Xhakaza. "A lot is affected out of our churches and church leadership."
"We were very disappointed because our society expects schools to be a place of learning, but importantly to be a place of safety. Even if there is family issues, there are better ways and better, established mechanisms to resolve them. We are really disappointed and we are with the teachers, with the school governing body and the learners," he added.
The mayor also praised the Department of Education for their swift response in providing support and intervention to the school community.
