Controversial pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng, known for his vocal opposition to self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, is now behind bars after a series of incidents that have left the community in shock. Motsoeneng, who led protests against Bushiri in 2020, is now facing charges after a violent confrontation at a local school and subsequent arson attack on his church.
The drama began when Prophet Mboro, armed with a panga, forcefully entered Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong, threatening teachers over a custody battle involving his son's children. The following day, scores of children bunked school and community members gathered at Motsoeneng's Incredible Happenings Church to protest against his actions. The church was subsequently set ablaze.
In a move that has sparked controversy, Bushiri took to social media to express his satisfaction with Motsoeneng's troubles.
“After fighting me in the name of fighting for South Africans, he is now fighting the same South Africans with guns and knives. You cannot fight an innocent man because you think he is a threat to your interests and have your things move well,” he said.
Bushiri went on to claim that Motsoeneng was “instrumental” in his and his wife Mary's downfall in South Africa, where they faced charges of corruption and money laundering in 2020.
“What a shame. Now, South Africans have seen the state of the so-called 'anti-Bushiri activist' with the most famous movement: 'Bushiri must go home'. I could not stay in that country with such people after me. Imagine what would happen if I were still there. Anyway, we wish him a quick mental recovery on this side of Malawi,” Bushiri said.
The two pastors have a history of public feuds. In 2020, when Bushiri was arrested, Motsoeneng was at the forefront of the anti-Bushiri protests.
“I've been praying for justice. I was standing up against corruption, fraud and money laundering. The arrests could not have happened without a spiritual covering.
“It is not easy to deal with such a man — you need a spiritual covering to fight this. It needed God's divine intervention. South Africa has been captured, and I need people to understand this. It's a spiritual war. I still need your prayers; I still need your support,” Motsoeneng said at the time.
Bushiri, who used to lead the huge Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) in South Africa, fled to Malawi after being released on bail in 2020. The charges against him were linked to a multimillion-rand investment scheme.
The latest developments have brought the long-standing feud between the two pastors back into the spotlight. While Bushiri is enjoying his freedom in Malawi, Motsoeneng is now facing the consequences of his actions.
