Pastor Mboro Motsoeneng, along with three others, was arrested after a violent incident at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong. This altercation, rooted in a custody dispute, escalated when Pastor Mboro attempted to remove his two grandchildren from the school premises forcibly.
Details of the Incident
On Monday, August 5, 2024, videos showed Mboro wielding a panga and charging at school staff who tried intervening. One of Mboro’s accomplices appeared to be carrying a rifle. The incident quickly went viral, causing a significant uproar.
Police Statement
Police spokesperson Col Noxolo Kweza confirmed the arrests, stating, “The four were arrested last night and will appear in the Palm Ridge court soon.
They face charges including assault, reckless firearm handling, and intimidation.” A replica firearm and the panga were confiscated during the arrests. One man was additionally charged with assaulting the station commander at Katlehong North police station.
Gauteng Education Department’s Response
The Gauteng education department condemned Mboro’s behavior as “violent and appalling,” emphasizing that such conduct is unacceptable in schools and society.
The incident occurred when the children’s father, accompanied by Mboro and another man, attempted to take the children from the school. Teachers, following alleged instructions from the children’s grandmother, tried to prevent the father from leaving with the children. Mboro brandished a panga in response, allowing the father to take the children.
Pastor Mboro’s Explanation
Pastor Mboro claimed he went to the school to rescue his son, who staff members allegedly attacked. In an audio recording supplied to newsaih.com, Mboro explained that he fetched the panga to prevent his son from using a firearm. “If you know your child is locked up and beaten, you fetch a panga because you don’t want your son to use a firearm,” Mboro said. He stated he was ready to die for his son.
Conflict Over Custody
Spokesperson Steve Mabona explained that the incident stemmed from a custody dispute following the children’s mother’s death in April. This conflict between the paternal and maternal families had been escalating. On the day of the incident, the children’s father met with the principal, leading to a confrontation later that afternoon.https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/
Video Footage and Public Reaction
In another video, Mboro is seen holding two pangas while trying to open a locked burglar door. A young man on the other side of the door is also seen pulling at the door. Mboro questioned the school’s right to hold his son, arguing that they beat his son for attempting to fetch his children. “I will deal with the videos later, but is the school right to hold my son? They beat my son because he wanted to fetch his children,” Mboro stated.
Police Investigation
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that detectives were taking statements from witnesses and suspects. “A team of detectives are currently taking statements from witnesses and all suspects concerned,” she said. Paseka “Pastor Mboro” Motsoeneng is a well-known South African pastor, prophet, televangelist, and founder of Incredible Happenings Ministries.
Who is Prophet Mboro?
Pastor Mboro, whose real name is Paseka Motsoeneng, was born on April 8, 1968, in Katlehong, Gauteng. He is a controversial figure in the South African religious community. His ministry, Incredible Happenings, has garnered significant attention over the years due to pastor Mboro’s dramatic and often contentious actions.
Implications for Child Custody Disputes
The incident at Matshidiso Primary School has sparked a heated debate about the appropriateness of Pastor Mboro’s actions and the broader implications for child custody disputes in South Africa. While Pastor Mboro defended his actions as necessary to protect his son and grandchildren, many have criticized his use of violence and intimidation in a school setting.
Education Department’s Call for Action
The Gauteng education department emphasized that such behaviour is unacceptable and called for stricter measures to ensure the safety and security of students and school staff. The department is investigating the incident to determine if additional actions are needed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Community and Family Support
In the wake of the incident, community leaders and organizations have urged for calm and a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served. They have also called for support for the affected children and their families to help them cope with the trauma resulting from the violent altercation.
Legal Proceedings and Public Discussion
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case is expected to highlight the challenges families face in custody disputes and the critical role of law enforcement and social services in addressing such issues. Pastor Mboro’s controversial actions and the subsequent legal ramifications will likely remain a topic of discussion in South Africa for some time.
Complexities of Family Disputes
The incident underscores the complexities of family disputes and the sometimes drastic measures individuals take to protect their loved ones. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a peaceful and respectful approach to resolving conflicts, particularly in environments involving children.
Final Thoughts
The incident at Matshidiso Primary School involving Pastor Mboro has drawn significant attention and raised important questions about child custody disputes and the role of religious leaders in such conflicts. As the investigation continues, it remains crucial to focus on the well-being of the affected children and the need for peaceful conflict resolution.
For more detailed updates and insights into the ongoing case and its broader implications, stay tuned to newsaih.com.
