It has been reported that four people have been arrested following a violent altercation between controversial religious leader Paseka “Pastor Mboro” Motsoeneng and staff at Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni in Gauteng, police said on Tuesday.
The source understands that Motsoeneng was among those arrested, although police would not confirm this before the accused appear in court.
The source was further told that weapons used in the incident had been seized by the police.
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.
Kweza said a replica firearm and machetes had also been confiscated.
In a video that went viral on Monday, Motsoeneng can be seen in a tense stand-off with a group of teachers, dangerously waving a machete and threatening the staff with it.
Motsoeneng went to the school demanding to fetch two children he allegedly did not have custody of.
During an interview with News24 on Monday evening, Motsoeneng claimed he went to the school, accompanied by the children’s father, to take the children away.
He claimed there had been disputes over the children since their mother died.
“By law, if one partner dies, another must take full custody of the children, especially when they are minors,” Motsoeneng claimed.
Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the incident.
Chiloane said 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.
Source: News24
