Germiston, South Africa – A simmering dispute is brewing in Albemarle Extension 2, Germiston, pitting residents against controversial prophet Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng, whose impromptu sidewalk prayer services, guarded by armed men, have ignited a firestorm of protest. A petition signed by 215 residents, submitted to the Ekurhuleni metro council on Thursday, demands intervention from the mayoral committee and metro police.
The petition unequivocally states: “This is a residential area and not zoned for a church.” The heart of the residents’ complaint lies in the disruption caused by Motsoeneng’s activities. One resident, speaking to Rapport on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisal, painted a picture of intimidation: “People cannot walk their dogs on the sidewalk because there are guards with AK47 assault rifles standing there. When you approach him and ask for some of the guards to stand inside, he swears at you.”
Another resident, a long-term inhabitant of the area, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the disruption to their peaceful community: “We have invested in the area. Everything here is normal, except for him. This is not how it should be. How can one person take over an entire residential area for himself?” The fear is palpable; residents describe Motsoeneng’s rule as “an iron fist,” with up to 50 followers and four masked, armed men present during his services.
Motsoeneng, however, vehemently rejects these accusations, portraying himself as a victim of prejudice. He counters that he is the target of a group of “racists” and “nonbelievers,” insisting: "No one will dictate to me what to do. I don’t play music, I don’t use a sound system. These people come here, to the ‘home of wonders’, to pray with me. And I pray for healing and peace, but I will not be ashamed to be an outspoken Christian. We do not obstruct traffic. These people want to exert control."
He further justifies the presence of his armed bodyguards, claiming they are necessary for his safety and the safety of the neighbourhood, asserting that there is never more than one guard with him on the pavement at any given time. “It would be a problem if they were guarding me with illegal firearms, but these are licensed. I am entitled to hire a private security company. If I don’t, I am more vulnerable. Their presence has also ensured that this whole area is safer,” he stated.
This incident is far from Motsoeneng’s first brush with controversy. He has previously faced allegations of inappropriate exorcism practices and made headlines with his claims of visiting heaven. More seriously, he, his bodyguard Clement Baloyi, and a family member (whose name is withheld to protect the children's identity) appeared in the Palm Ridge court in August on charges of abduction.
In response to the petition, Motsoeneng stated: “I have given my property to God. You probably know my church is gone; now I use whatever I have access to. All these people come with appointments to see me here. I don’t advertise that church services are being held. I pray for the people who arrive here.”
The situation leaves some residents feeling helpless and frustrated. One resident, expressing their exasperation, commented: “I advise people to take another route and ignore him, but he is so unpredictable, one can only wonder what will happen next.”
The conflict highlights a deep division within the community, with residents feeling threatened and harassed, while Motsoeneng maintains his innocence and insists on his right to practice his faith. The petition, a formal expression of community discontent, leaves the Ekurhuleni metro council facing a significant challenge in mediating this complex and potentially volatile situation.
