Panga-wielding Mboro charged with kidnapping

A dramatic turn of events in the contentious custody battle between controversial Pastor, Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng, and his son’s in-laws has seen the self-proclaimed prophet charged with kidnapping.

The church leader, who made headlines after storming a Katlehong primary school with a panga and forcibly removing his grandchildren, made his first appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Mboro’s actions at the school sparked widespread outrage, with angry high school learners torching his church on Tuesday.

In a surprising move, Mboro has also laid counter charge against his son’s in-laws, accusing them of common assault and intimidation.

 

It’s understood Mboro fled to a nearby police station for protection after the community outcry over his actions.

It’s there that he alleges the maternal grandmother and uncle of his sons confronted and assaulted him, leading to the counter charges.

The custody battle for the young brothers, who lost their mother in April, has seen the two families divided over who should take care of the children.

Community members have demonstrated outside the court, demanding protection for the children and that Mboro be denied bail.

The church leader’s actions have raised concerns among community members about his fitness to care for the children and provide a stable environment.

Meanwhile, the court has ordered that the names and surnames of the grandmother and uncle not be published to protect the children, who remain in their custody.

The grandmother and her son have been released on R1 000 bail each with their next appearance expected in September.

The court’s decision to postpone the case has done little to ease tensions, with community members demanding a safe home for the young boys.

At the same time, the in-laws of Pastor Mboro’s son claim that his violent stunt was not an isolated incident, alleging that he has tried to intimidate the family before.

Speaking with YNews, the sister of the boys’ grandmother alleges that Mboro had brought out the same panga on Thursday when family members tried to deliver the children’s medication, which they are currently taking.

The case has sparked a wider conversation about custody battles and the lengths parents and guardians will go to gain control.

Mboro and his co-accused will return to court next week Friday for bail application. Written by Naomi Kobbie