Controversial Paseka Pastor Mboro Motsoeneng. Picture: X/@uuniversalmusic
Five suspects linked to the storming of a primary school in Katlehong by self-proclaimed pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The men were arrested after a video of Mboro wielding a panga at teachers at Matsediso Primary School and community members in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, went viral.
In the video, Mboro was seen wielding a panga wildly in the direction of the school’s staff, as the men exited the school with two children believed to be his grandchildren.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a custody battle between the families of the two children who were removed from the school.
Police said the men face several charges related to the incident.
The arrest of the five suspects on Tuesday came hours after Mboro’s tented Incredible Happenings Church in Katlehong was set alight allegedly by a group of disgruntled community members.
Community members, mostly children in school uniform, were allegedly seen trashing the inside of the church tent, while others set its panels alight.
ALSO READ: Fifth suspect arrested in Pastor Mboro’s panga-wielding school attack case
Meanwhile, the South African National Christian Forum (SANCF) has distanced itself from the “criminal behaviour” of Pastor Mboro.
Bishop Marothi Mashashane has also condemned the incident.
“We will never defend nor promote such behaviour by a religious leader. This is why we want churches to have an independent regulatory body to discipline such behaviour and arrogance in the sector.
“In the same way, we condemn the action of burning Paseka’s church as nobody is to take the law into their own hands. It is unfortunate to see a church leader responding to whatever dispute violently, especially in front of little kids, this should be dealt with harshly. We would like to apologise to the entire country for this shameful behaviour,” Mashashane said.
Mboro, a South African pastor, prophet, and televangelist, also known as Prophet PFP Motsoeneng, has thousands of followers across South Africa.
He has claimed to perform miracles such as healing people during sermons and delivering a fish from the womb of a pregnant woman.
His luxurious lifestyle includes high-end vehicles such as a Bentley and a BMW i8 sports car − valued at about R2 million, which has drawn considerable attention and criticism.
Mboro’s teachings include controversial claims of miracles including raising people from the dead and curing HIV/Aids and provocative statements.
In one sermon, he described heaven in a way that many criticised and found blasphemous.
“I saw heaven and it was a surprise. Jesus, for example, has a beautiful Xhosa wife. She is young, hot, and extremely attractive,” he claimed.
Additional reporting by Kyle Zeeman and Jarryd Westerdale
ALSO READ: Pastor Mboro’s church in Katlehong set on fire by angry community [VIDEO]
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