Eleven suspects, including eight women and three men, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Ekurhuleni on Monday, 25 November, facing charges of assault and intimidation related to an incident involving Prophet Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng and his son.
The case, which stems from an altercation in August 2024, was postponed to 11 December for a decision on applications made by the suspects through their lawyers, who are seeking to have the charges withdrawn. The suspects have presented their case to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the court will hear the NPA’s verdict on their requests in December.
The incident at the heart of the case was captured on video, showing Mboro, his relative, and his bodyguard, Vincent Baloyi, confronting individuals at a school with pangas in an attempt to secure the release of Mboro’s two grandchildren. Mboro claims he intervened after his son was allegedly being attacked by school staff while attempting to pick up his grandchildren.
The conflict surrounding the children’s guardianship has escalated into a bitter legal dispute between Mboro and the maternal grandmother of his grandchildren.
Mboro has since opened cases of assault and intimidation against the eleven suspects. He maintains that he was acting in self-defense and seeking to protect his family.
Outside the court, Mboro carried a cross and prayed, stating that he believed there was power in the symbol of the cross. He also expressed frustration with what he described as a failure of the justice system and the police to hold those responsible accountable.
“The justice system has failed me. The police have failed me. This family is very powerful. When we opened the case against them, they told us they had high-ranking officers on their side,” Mboro claimed. “They were charged and released without consequence. But we have receipts, photos, and videos showing the damage to our vehicles.”
Mboro went on to explain that his faith is what keeps him grounded, especially as the legal and personal pressures mount. “I’m running to God because I have no other option. If I don’t, I’ll end up inciting violence. I’ll end up carrying guns and shooting. I’ll end up doing things I don’t want to do. I want to fight in the spirit, not with the flesh,” he said.
Additionally, Mboro alleged that those responsible for the arson attack on his church are known to him and will soon face arrest.
The case remains ongoing, with the next court appearance scheduled for 11 December, when the NPA is expected to rule on the suspects’ applications to have the charges dropped.
