Palm Ridge – Pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng is no stranger to controversy, and his latest appearance in court has once again set South African social media ablaze. This time, it wasn’t his trademark flair or bold statements that grabbed attention – it was his act of praying during proceedings that sparked a tense exchange with the magistrate.
Mboro, accompanied by his son and bodyguard, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court to face serious charges, including kidnapping, possession of a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm, and pointing a firearm. However, it wasn’t the gravity of the charges that caught everyone’s eye; it was Mboro’s behaviour in the courtroom.
As the court proceedings were nearing their conclusion, with the matter set to be postponed, Mboro was seen with his head tilted upwards in prayer, a posture he’s become well-known for during past court appearances. His silent act of devotion, however, didn’t sit well with the magistrate, who was not amused by the distraction.
The magistrate, in a calm but firm tone, interrupted Mboro’s prayer, reminding him that court proceedings must take precedence.
“Please, my good sir, you cannot pray while the court is in session. If you wish to pray, you may do so after the matter has been postponed,” the magistrate instructed. The case has been transferred to Regional Court 2, with the next appearance scheduled for 26 November.
As expected, Mboro’s courtroom antics quickly became the talk of social media, with South Africans sharing mixed reactions. Some defended his right to pray, seeing it as a personal act of faith, while others were critical of his behaviour, arguing it was disruptive and a display of his penchant for drama.
@WesleyNku was one of those who didn’t see the issue, writing, “If he is conducting silent prayer, then I don’t see the problem.”
However, @ChimCham7 had a different take: “Mboro is just there for content. He knows how to make headlines.” This sentiment was echoed by @Mbojunior999, who jokingly tweeted, “Your Worship, let the man pray, please.”
On the other hand, @KKhumalo02 was less sympathetic, remarking, “What a character. Sadly, we South Africans glorify such foolish behaviour until it’s too late. Look at what we did to Nota. Things may still go south for the pastor, and he thinks he’s vindicated already.”
Pastor Mboro has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most colorful and controversial public figures. Known for his larger-than-life persona, the leader of the “Church of the Mighty” has been involved in numerous scandals and confrontations, both in the media and in court. His courtroom prayers, often seen as a dramatic display of faith, have been a hallmark of his public image.
For many, the latest incident only reinforces the idea that Mboro often seems more interested in the spotlight than in the serious charges he faces. His social media following has only grown as a result of his antics, with many questioning whether his behaviour is sincere or simply part of a performance for his fans and followers.
