Johannesburg – Controversial pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng, known for his flamboyant ministry and outlandish claims, has emerged from a month-long prison stint with a stark warning for South Africans: "Whatever you do, don't get caught. Prison is not a joke, there is no clever there."
Prophet Mboro, who was released on bail of R3 000 after his second attempt, recounted his harrowing experience behind bars, painting a picture of a harsh and unforgiving environment. He spoke of the constant fear, the lack of freedom, and the overwhelming sense of despair that permeated every aspect of prison life.
"My son, I am happy that you were protected; life in prison is no joke. Whatever you do, don't get caught. Give me a call and I'll tell you all about it," he said, addressing his son Revival Motsweneng, who was also released on bail last month.
Mboro's ordeal began after a dramatic incident at Matshediso Primary School in Katlehong, where he allegedly forcefully took his two minor grandchildren on 5 August. A video of Mboro swinging a panga at teachers with three other men armed with rifles and pangas went viral on social media, sparking outrage and condemnation.
The court ultimately found that the gun Mboro was wielding was a replica, but the incident led to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment. He was facing 12 charges, including kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and assault.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Mboro maintains his innocence, claiming that he was the victim of an attack by a group of people who were throwing stones at him and his co-accused. He insists that he was only trying to protect himself and his family.
"In the whole thing, we had to get out. They threw stones at us. I took the replica gun from him [bodyguard], by the way, that thing was dysfunctional. I tried to do something with it and it was not working," said Mboro.
"They were throwing stones at us and we had kids crying. There is CCTV camera in the school and they’re not providing it. When I came back, the kids were no longer crying but traumatised."
Mboro also revealed the turbulent family dynamics that led to the school incident, citing a long-standing feud with his son's family over the custody of his grandchildren.
"We were threatened in my house. People came with police without a court order or a warrant. It has been three years since this thing happened. We report to the police, nothing… I have been provoked. It’s known I have armed security forces but never used them, because we are family," he said.
"This son of mine when I helped him pay lobola he was 20 years old. All his children; when they were born were with me and the wife. It’s so sad that my daughter-in-law within a month of her death, there had been fights over her children. My daughter in-law had a protection order, she opened a case against her mother."
Prophet Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng says it is unfortunate that a man who has touched so many lives and healed so many souls ends up being in prison for almost 40 days. @dailysunsa pic.twitter.com/TDbMoGPnkk
— happy mnguni (@happy_mnguni) September 12, 2024
Mboro's release has brought a sense of relief to his supporters, but the legal battle is far from over. He and his co-accused are still facing serious charges, and the court has ordered him not to contact the witnesses in the case.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Mboro remains defiant, insisting that he is a man of God and that he will continue to preach the gospel. He has also expressed a desire for peace and reconciliation, stating that he has no interest in punishing those who have wronged him.
"I have no interest in punishing the family gangs that attacked me. I have no interest in harming anyone, that tent is nothing. We are the church, the house of God. I am Mboro and I can do a lot," he said.
"If we can consider the kids and make peace and the people apologise for their wrongs. I’m not in any campaign of harming or revenging anyone. I am happy that I am out to build this country and our families and to show that love conquers hate."
