The Gauteng Education Department has condemned the disturbing violent scenes at Katlehong Primary School, where a scuffle erupted between heavily armed men, school staff and some community members.
Several videos have since gone viral on social media, showing Pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng wielding two pangas and threatening staff and community members, accompanied by a bodyguard carrying an AK-47 rifle.
The videos also showed two learners, allegedly at the centre of a custody battle, being forcefully removed from the school reception area by Mboro and his accomplices.
While leaving the school premises, an agitated Mboro can also be seen swinging the panga towards the staff and community members who were trying to prevent them from taking the learners.
“According to a preliminary report at our disposal, the mother of the children passed away in April this year, leading to a dispute between the paternal and maternal sides of the family.
On the day of the incident, the father of the children had a meeting with the principal in the morning.
Later in the day, the maternal grandmother, who is the alleged guardian of the children, also met with the principal as well to report and inform him about a conflict that occurred during a meeting held over the past weekend at the house of the paternal grandfather, who is the famous South African pastor,” said the Department spokesperson, Steve Mabona.
Mabona said the Deputy Principal and some staff members refused to release the children without the grandmother’s permission, before the Pastor and his bodyguards arrived at the school with weapons.
Meanwhile, MEC Matome Chiloane has condemned the incident, adding that the safety and well-being of the learners and educators are of utmost priority.
“Such acts of violence and intimidation not only undermine the foundation of our education system, but also have the potential to traumatise the entire school community, particularly given that this incident occurred in a primary school in full view of young children and their teachers.
The Department is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this matter.
We will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation and will take all necessary measures to protect our learners and educators,” said Chiloane.
Police said they’re aware of the incident and have taken statements from all of the parties involved and an arrest is imminent.
