By Doreen Mokgolo
Controversial pastor Paseka Mboro – notoriously known as Prophet Mboro – has been arrested with three others for attempting to take his two grandchildren into custody by force.
The four – the pastor, the father of the children and two armed men – face charges of assault, reckless firearm handling, unregistered security services, intimidation, and property damage and will appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court.
On Monday afternoon, Mboro, armed with pangas and accompanied by men bearing semi-automatic weapons, stormed Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
He demanded the release of his two grandchildren in Grade R and Grade 2, against their maternal grandmother’s orders.
Videos show Mboro and three armed men threatening teachers in the school’s admin block.
The two children were seen crying as their grandfather dragged them out.
The children’s mother passed away in April, leading to a custody battle between the maternal and paternal families. The children have been in the care of their maternal grandmother.
Earlier on Monday, the father met with the school principal to ask for the children to be released into his custody. The grandmother met with the principal later to urge that the children only be released into her care.
When Mboro, the father and the two armed men went to the school later, the deputy principal refused to release the children to the father and Mboro without the grandmother’s permission.
Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said: “The pastor brandished pangas, threatening the teachers [to allow him] to leave with the children. The community intervened after noticing the commotion.”
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza confirmed that the SAPS child protection unit will investigate the situation.
Mboro claims the custody dispute began on Friday, with the maternal family demanding child support from his son.
“They want money to finish renovations on their house. I refuse to be used. They must give me my grandchildren; I will raise them,” Mboro said.
He said he was armed for self-defence against the teachers.
Pictured above: Pastor Paseka Mboro.
Source: Supplied
