By: Natasha Archary
Bail was denied to Pastor Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng and his armed bodyguard who face 12 charges including kidnapping and illegal possession and use of firearms after the incident at Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong on 05 August.
This after shocking videos of the two men violently threatening the livelihoods of teachers and learners at the school, before the pastor grabbed two of his grandchildren were shared on social media.
The children’s father who was also remanded in custody has been released on a warning with conditions.
These conditions include the children’s father having no direct nor indirect contact with witnesses, save for the maternal grandmother and aunt under the guidance of the court.
Pastor Mboro and his co-accused appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Monday, 19 August following their arrest shortly after the incident.
A conflict between the families over the custody of the two learners, two boys in Grade RR and Grade 2 had been escalating since the children’s mother passed away in April.
On the day of the incident, the children’s father met with the principal in the morning. Later in the day, the maternal grandmother, the alleged guardian of the children also met with the principal.
Informing the principal about a conflict at Pastor Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng’s house, led to the Deputy Principal and some staff members refusing to release the children without the grandmother’s permission.
The incident unfolded on Monday after school when the boys’ father came to fetch them, accompanied by two men and Pastor Paseka, the children’s paternal grandfather.
Following the incident at the school, Pastor Mboro’s church was set alight.
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