Self-proclaimed pastor Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng handed himself over to Katlehong police after being caught on camera wielding a panga and threatening school staff at Matsediso Primary School in a custody dispute.
Story Summary:
- Self-proclaimed pastor Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng handed himself over to Katlehong police.
- He was caught on camera wielding a panga at Matsediso Primary School.
- Mboro likely faces charges related to abduction.
Pastor Mboro films himself in holding cells
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
Following the Matsediso Primary School incident, Pastor Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng sought refuge at the Katlehong police station on Monday evening.
Mboro’s immediate custody is believed to be a life-saving decision as Katlehong community members initiated a manhunt for him.
Although the exact charges he faces are still unclear, early indications suggest he may be charged with abduction.
Mboro filmed himself in a holding cell, engaging in a heated exchange with angry residents from behind bars, highlighting the intensity of the community’s outrage.
What’s the latest on the Matsediso Primary School incident?
The dramatic confrontation at Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong on Monday, 5 August 2024, was caught on camera.
According to the Gauteng Education Department, a group of armed men, including the controversial pastor Mboro, stormed the school premises wielding pangas and an assault rifle.
They forcibly removed two pupils after a heated altercation with a male staff member.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the incident, stating:
“The safety and well-being of our learners and educators are of utmost priority. Such acts of violence and intimidation not only undermine the foundation of our education system but also have the potential to traumatize the entire school community.”
The altercation stemmed from a custody dispute over two young boys, one in Grade RR and the other in Grade 2.
The boys’ mother passed away in April 2024, sparking a conflict between their paternal and maternal families.
The incident escalated when the children’s father visited the school in the morning, followed by their maternal grandmother who informed the principal about the ongoing family conflict.
Acting on the grandmother’s instructions, teachers refused to release the children to their father without her permission.
This led to the arrival of the pastor, identified as the children’s paternal grandfather, accompanied by bodyguards. Brandishing weapons, they threatened the school staff and took the children.
The principal and the School Governing Body (SGB) reported the matter to the police, and the Child Protection Unit is now involved in mediating the situation.
MEC Chiloane reiterated:
“We will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation and will take all necessary measures to protect our learners and educators.”
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube expressed outrage over the incident, stating:
“I am absolutely incensed by this attack on our schools, staff, and learners. No one should break into schools with weapons, interrupting teaching and learning time and terrorizing children.”
Gwarube assured that she has engaged with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu for an urgent investigation by the SAPS and to ensure the safety of the children and school staff.
