Police Arrest Four in Connection with Intimidation and Violence
By Mpho Moloi
Four individuals, including the well-known South African pastor Paseka Motsoeneng, commonly known as Pastor Mboro, have been arrested following a violent incident at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong. The arrests come after a video, which has gone viral on social media, shows men brandishing replica firearms and a panga, intimidating and harassing learners and teachers at the school.
In a statement released on Tuesday, police detailed that Pastor Mboro, his security personnel, and others forcibly entered the school on Monday, taking two minor children. “The four were arrested last night and will appear in the Palm Ridge court in due course. They are facing a variety of charges including assault, handling a firearm recklessly that could endanger lives and property, rendering security services while not registered, malicious damage to property and intimidation,” the police stated. The replica firearm and the pangas have been confiscated.
One of the suspects was also arrested for assaulting the Station Commander at Katlehong North police station when a group of people demanded to see the pastor outside the station. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni indicated that more arrests might follow as the investigation continues.
MEC Matome Chiloane Condemns the Incident
Matome Chiloane, the Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, has strongly condemned the violent acts. Steve Mabona, Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education, reported that the incident involved three men who threatened the lives of teachers and learners.
In disturbing videos, Pastor Mbhoro is seen wielding pangas and threatening to attack teachers, while another man is shown grabbing two learners and another brandishing an assault rifle. “This violent and appalling behaviour has no place in our schools or our society,” Chiloane asserted.
Background and Escalation
The incident stemmed from a custody dispute over two boys enrolled at the school. Following the death of their mother in April, a conflict arose between the boys’ paternal and maternal families. On the day of the incident, the boys’ father had met with the principal in the morning. Later, the maternal grandmother, the alleged guardian, reported a conflict that occurred during a family meeting at the paternal grandfather’s house, where Pastor Mbhoro resides.
The Deputy Principal and staff refused to release the children without the grandmother’s permission, prompting Pastor Mbhoro and his bodyguards to arrive at the school with weapons.
Violent Confrontation at the School
The situation escalated when the father, accompanied by two men including Pastor Mbhoro, arrived to take the children. One man carried pangas while another had an assault rifle. Teachers, following the grandmother’s instructions, attempted to prevent the father from taking the children. Pastor Mbhoro responded by brandishing a panga, allowing the father to leave with the children.
The community intervened, and the school principal and the School Governing Body (SGB) reported the incident to the police. The Child Protection Unit is now involved to mediate the situation.
Support and Reactions
Psycho-Social Support will be provided to the affected teachers and learners to help them cope with the trauma. MEC Chiloane stressed the importance of safety and condemned the violence. “The safety and well-being of our learners and educators are of utmost priority. Such acts of violence and intimidation not only undermine our education system but also have the potential to traumatise the entire school community. We will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation and will take all necessary measures to protect our learners and educators,” Chiloane stated.
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