JOHANNESBURG: Controversial pastor Paseka "Mboro" Motsoeneng, the self-proclaimed prophet, will spend another weekend behind bars after a series of events that have left the nation questioning his actions and the safety of our schools. Mboro, along with his relative and bodyguard, Vincent Baloi, were arrested last week following a dramatic incident at Matshediso Primary School in Katlehong, where they allegedly kidnapped his grandchildren.
The incident, captured on viral videos that have since circulated widely, shows Mboro, armed with two pangas and escorted by an armed bodyguard, forcefully entering the school. He demanded to take his grandchildren, despite reports that he does not have custody of them. Teachers, understandably terrified, refused to hand over the children, leading to a tense standoff.
These thugs must be found pic.twitter.com/Z2mL7OZnXH
— Matome Chiloane (@matomekopano) August 5, 2024
"It's terrifying to think that someone can just walk into a school with weapons and create such a dangerous situation," one parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed. The sentiment was echoed by others: "Our children are supposed to be safe at school. This incident makes us question if they really are," another parent added. A nearby resident voiced their worry: "If this can happen here, it can happen anywhere. We need to ensure our schools are secure."
The incident has sparked widespread concern about the safety of teachers and pupils in public schools. Catholic priest Mlungisi Mabe stated: "This is an issue of grave concern. Our schools should be sanctuaries of learning, not battlegrounds. The presence of weapons and armed guards in an educational setting is unacceptable and deeply disturbing."
One teacher present during the incident described the scene: "When Pastor Mboro arrived, he swung a panga and shouted that no one should come close. It was incredibly frightening. We were all terrified for our and the children’s safety."
The altercation allegedly stemmed from Motsoeneng's support for a community member he refers to as his son, whose mother recently passed away. He had taken care of the burial costs, which had reportedly intensified his protective instincts towards the family.
The trio appeared in court today for a formal bail application, but the proceedings were delayed after it was revealed that the police had not verified Mboro and his co-accused's home addresses for bail application purposes. In his bail application affidavit, Mboro claimed that he cannot stay in jail as his congregants were spiritually and financially dependent on him. On the other hand, his co-accused, Baloi, said he could only afford to pay a bail amount of R500 as he is strained by family responsibilities. The state has confirmed that it will oppose bail for the three accused.
The matter was postponed to Monday for the police to verify the accused's addresses. Mboro and his co-accused are facing a number of charges ranging from kidnapping, possession of prohibited firearms, and assault. The children's grandmother and uncle, who were also arrested the same night as Mboro after they had a confrontation with the pastor, appeared separately and were released on R1 000 bail each.
