By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
EKURHULENI
Angry school pupils on Tuesday set alight the church of self-styled prophet South African preacher, Pastor Mboro. The incident follows a tense confrontation between Pastor Mboro and teachers at a local primary school, where he allegedly wielded machetes and forcibly removed his grandchildren.
The church, housed in a marquee tent, was looted and destroyed by fire as pupils in school uniform were seen running from the scene. Authorities in Ekurhuleni confirmed the incident on social media, stating that “anger erupted after Mboro wasn’t arrested following yesterday’s incident, leading to the tent burning.”
Pastor Mboro, whose real name is Paseka Motsoeneng, has been at the center of controversy in recent days after a video emerged showing him waving machetes during a standoff with teachers. The video also showed a man carrying a replica firearm.
The incident at the school has sparked widespread outrage, with South African Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube condemning the attack. “No one – absolutely no one – should break into schools with weapons, interrupting teaching and learning time and terrorizing children,” she posted on social media.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the incident, including possibly Pastor Mboro, although police have not confirmed his detention. Charges include assault, intimidation, and malicious damage to property.
Pastor Mboro has built a large following across South Africa, claiming to perform miracles such as healing people during sermons and delivering a fish from the womb of a pregnant woman. However, his actions have also sparked criticism and concern among many in the community.
