On Monday, November 11, Prophet Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng, along with co-accused Vincent Baloyi and a family member, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Ekurhuleni.
Mboro, Baloyi, and the relative face several charges, including kidnapping, possession of dangerous weapons, pointing and discharging a firearm, intimidation, malicious damage to property, willful damage to a vehicle, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The charges stem from an incident on August 5, when Mboro and his guard, Baloyi, were arrested after a viral video showed Mboro wielding pangas at Katlehong’s Matshidiso Primary School while Baloyi held a semi-automatic weapon.
During the court proceedings, Magistrate Ipfi Mammburu issued a stern warning to Mboro, who had been seen praying and looking upwards, cautioning him to refrain from such behavior while the court was in session.
“You cannot pray while the court is in session. I am explaining the consequences for failure to appear, and you are looking up as if you are praying. That is not an appropriate way to do things,” said Magistrate Ipfi Mammburu
Mboro defended his actions, asserting his right to pray in court. He claimed that he was unaware that such behavior was prohibited during proceedings.
I didn’t say any word, I just put my hands like this. I didn’t know it was a crime…if I go to jail for praying it’s okay because I’ve been there before. I didn’t know that it’s unlawful to not look at the magistrate, because when I start looking at him, they be saying I’m intimidating him.” said Mboro
