THE Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has called on Law Enforcement Authorities to act decisively when dealing with the case of Paseka “Pastor Mboro” Motsoeneng.
In a video circulating on social media, Pastor Mboro is seen wielding a panga and violently threating staff members at Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong.
The Committee is appalled by the conduct of Mboro who as a “Pastor” is expected to be displaying the highest ethical and moral standards in society.
The Committee unequivocally condemn any form of violence especially when perpetrated by individuals in positions of trust and spiritual leadership.
No form of action can justify the violent actions of Mboro particularly in a schooling environment where children are expected to be taught in a safe and secure setting.
His violent actions which endangered the safety and wellbeing of others must be condemned as it is unacceptable and represent a gross violation of the trust placed in him as a Pastor in his Community.
The Committee calls on Law Enforcement Authorities to make Mboro’s case a harsh example to anyone who thinks they can act with impunity by threating and endangering the lives of others.
Meanwhile, Mboro can also be seen with what is supposed to be his bodyguard brandishing what seems like an AK47, inside the school premises threatening teachers.
Whilst inside the Primary School, he’s church was on flames, of which according to community members was started by pupils who were ferried in two busses.
Motsoeneng claimed he went to the school, accompanied by the children’s father, to take them away.
He claimed there had been disputes over the children since their mother died.
Gauteng police said on Tuesday morning that four people were arrested after the violent altercation.
He was among those arrested, although police would not confirm this before the accused’s court appearance.
A fifth person had been arrested, according to SAPS.
Police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza confirmed that the four people were arrested on Monday night and were expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.
“One of the suspects was arrested for assaulting the station commander at Katlehong North Police Station when a group of people were demanding to deal with the local pastor outside the police station,” Kweza said.
The four face charges of assault, handling a firearm recklessly in a way that could endanger lives and property, providing unregistered security services, malicious damage to property and intimidation.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, said he was worried about the incident.
“It is something that we condemn. When a community leader or a citizen carries what appears to be firearms and a bush knife [and] go to an institution like education, for whatever reason, brandishing such things, like pangas, and causing commotion, because that causes anxiety among children, we condemn that, reports Sello Nchoe.
Mchunu was speaking at the ANC’s Lekgotla that ended today.
Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the incident, saying psychosocial support had been availed to teachers and pupils affected by the incident.
The MEC vowed that such acts of violence and intimidation would not be tolerated within Gauteng schools.
“The department is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this matter,” he said.
Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni has indicated that further arrests may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.
Community members in Katlehong are torn apart- there are those who are in support of Mboro, and some are against.
Image ( Feeling macho. Paseka “Pastor Mboro” Motsoeneng armed with a panga and his bodyguard, inside a Primary School. Both have been arrested).
