Self-proclaimed prophet Paseka 'Mboro' Motsoeneng and his bodyguard Clement Baloyi were denied bail by the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court today. Mboro and his co-accused were back in court today after spending two weekends behind bars following their arrests on 5 August. Mboro's son Vincent Motsoeneng (27) was released on warning.

BAIL DENIED

Before judgment, the state argued that it would not be in the interest of justice for Mboro and his son to be granted bail as they falsified and gave the wrong home address to the investigating officer. The trio's case was postponed last week Friday as the police had not managed to verify their address. The state also argued that should the accused be released on bail, there was a chance that they would endanger the family of his grandchildren. After lengthy court proceedings, Magistrate Katlego Mokwena said that their defence failed to submit sufficient reasons for their release on bail. Giving his judgment, Mokoena said: "Accused number 1 and number 2, your application for bail has been denied. Accused number 3, you are released on warning and expected to be back in court for your next appearance."

 WIELDING PANGAS

Mboro and his co-accused were arrested after several videos were shared on social media where the self-proclaimed prophet was seen armed with two pangas at the Matshediso Primary School in Katlehong, demanding to take his grandchildren. His bodyguard was walking beside him carrying what looked like an AK-47 rifle. When the teachers refused to hand them over, the pastor started wielding his pangas while warning a female teacher not to dare to get close to him. He later took the children from school. The accused are facing a number of charges ranging from kidnapping, possession of prohibited firearms, and assault. The children's grandmother, who is a teacher in the same school, and uncle were also arrested the same night after they had a confrontation with the pastor. They were released on R1,000 bail each. The state requested a period of two months to complete its investigation. Mboro and Baloyi's next bail hearing will be on October 21, 2024.