Pastor Paseka “Mboro”Motsoeneng and three others were arrested on Tuesday after a viral video showed them storm the Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong to forcibly remove his grandchildren.
The incident has sparked widespread concern about the safety of teachers and pupils in public schools.
Following the widely circulated video on Monday, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube urged Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to have the matter investigated urgently.
On Tuesday, Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni confirmed to Radio 702 that four suspects have been arrested in connection with a dramatic incident. Mthombeni said they would appear in court soon.
A viral video shows Motsoeneng, carrying two pangas and escorted by an armed bodyguard, forcing his way into the school. The pastor demanded to fetch his grandchildren, despite reports that he does not have custody of them.
These thugs must be found pic.twitter.com/Z2mL7OZnXH
— Matome Chiloane (@matomekopano) August 5, 2024
Teachers refused to let him take the children, leading to a tense standoff. Local parents and neighbours, who preferred to remain anonymous, have expressed their fears and concerns.
“It’s terrifying to think that someone can just walk into a school with weapons and create such a dangerous situation,” one parent said.
Another added: “Our children are supposed to be safe at school. This incident makes us question if they really are.”
A nearby resident voiced their worry: “If this can happen here, it can happen anywhere. We need to ensure our schools are secure.”
Catholic priest Mlungisi Mabe stated: “This is an issue of grave concern. Our schools should be sanctuaries of learning, not battlegrounds. The presence of weapons and armed guards in an educational setting is unacceptable and deeply disturbing.”
One teacher present during the incident described the scene: “When Pastor Mboro arrived, he swung a panga and shouted that no one should come close. It was incredibly frightening. We were all terrified for our and the children’s safety.”
The altercation allegedly stemmed from Motsoeneng’s support for a community member he refers to as his son, whose mother recently passed away. He had taken care of the burial costs, which had reportedly intensified his protective instincts towards the family.
However, his actions at the school have raised serious questions about the measures in place to protect students and staff. Private security experts have weighed in on the incident, highlighting the alarming presence of the gunman, believed to be Motsoeneng’s personal security.
😭😭😭😭What’s happening with Pastor Mboro? pic.twitter.com/JPDGlFr8OH
— ツ O R I (@Ori_RSA) August 5, 2024
“The fact that an armed bodyguard was involved escalates the situation to a whole new level of threat,” said one expert. “Schools need to reassess their security protocols to prevent such breaches. The presence of a gunman in an environment meant for children is extremely dangerous.”
This incident is not isolated. According to a report last year by the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, there were more than 400 reported cases of violent incidents in South African schools in the past year. These include instances of armed intrusions, assaults and threats against teachers and students.
On Tuesday, Community members took vigilante action against Motsoeneng.
The Incredible Happenings Ministries prophet had his Katlehong church set alight allegedly by a mob made up predominantly of school children allegedly angry at his behaviour seen in a viral video.
