Pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng and three bodyguards have been arrested following a dramatic incident at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong.
The altercation, stemming from a custody dispute, led to the burning of Mboro’s Incredible Happenings Church by angry community members.
The delay in Mboro’s arrest sparked significant unrest within the community, culminating in the burning of his church.
Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Councillor (Cllr) Sizakele Masuku, slammed the burning of the church. “Mboro not being arrested yesterday caused a stir amongst the community, and that’s why his church got burnt. We do not condone such actions.”
Reports indicate that the church was set on fire by schoolchildren, further escalating tensions. Additionally, a protest is planned for tomorrow, indicating that the unrest in the community is far from over.
The community’s decision to take matters into their own hands has been criticised, with officials urging residents to remain calm and allow the legal process to proceed.
Three of Mboro's bodyguards were arrested yesterday, and Mboro himself was taken into custody on Tuesday morning, the MMC confirmed.
Mboro’s arrest comes after he forcefully entered the school with his bodyguards, threatened the educators and caused a significant disturbance.
Winnie Mazibuko, a street vendor outside the school, provided a first-hand account of the incident. She explained that Mboro’s son attempted to pick up his children from the school amid an ongoing custody battle with their mother.
The school staff, aware of the legal dispute, refused his request. In retaliation, Mboro's son called his father for assistance.
The MMC expressed disappointment over Pastor Mboro's actions, stating, “He is a prominent figure in the city, and kids look up to him, but he did not do the right thing.”
Masuku praised the quick response of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) after videos of the incident began circulating.
In a surprising twist, Mboro has since filed a case against the school.
One concerned parent shared that her Grade 5 child, who witnessed the incident, had been traumatised and needed to be taken home.
Pastor Mboro and the other suspects will appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The events in Katlehong underscore the importance of resolving conflicts through proper legal channels. As the community waits for the court proceedings, there is a collective call for peace and lawful conduct to prevent further violence and disruption.
IOL