A Katlehong religious leader Paseka Motsoeneng also known as Pastor Mboro, along with three others, have been arrested after they attacked staff at Matsediso Primary School on Monday.

In videos that have since gone viral on social media, the self-proclaimed pastor is seen wielding a panga and threatening to attack teachers on the school premises. Another man is seen grabbing two learners, while another is wielding an assault rifle.

Pastor Mboro waving a panga, traumatising children and threatening educators. 🧐pic.twitter.com/XQ01zEOguw

— Monwabisi Kete 🇿🇦 (@MonwabisiKete) August 5, 2024

The pastor, who is believed to be the paternal grandfather of the two learners, along with the children’s father, demanded to fetch learners at the school whom they did not have custody of.

According to the Gauteng Education Department, the conflict between two families over the custody of the boy learners enrolled at the school, in Grade RR and Grade 2, has been escalating. This is after the mother of the children passed away in April this year.

The department added that the grandmother, who is the alleged guardian of the children, met with the principal before the incident occurred to inform him about the custody battle.

Teachers, acting on the alleged instructions from the grandmother, tried to prevent the father from leaving the school premises with the children. In response, the pastor threatened them with a panga, allowing the father to leave with the children.

“The community became involved after realising there was a commotion at the school. The principal, School Governing Body (SGB), reported the matter to the police. The Child Protection Unit is set to mediate the situation.” – Steve Mabona, Gauteng Education department spokesperson

The Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation MEC, Mr Matome Chiloane, has since condemned the incident. Chiloane says psycho-social support will be deployed for the affected teachers and learners to help them cope with the trauma resulting from this incident.

“We will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation and will take all necessary measures to protect our learners and educators”- MEC Chiloane.

Following the suspects arrest, Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni said further arrests could be made as the investigations into the matter continues.

Angry learners and residents on Tuesday set the pastor’s tent church alight – in retaliation to Monday’s incident.