MEC Condemns alleged intimidation at Katlehong school
Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation MEC, Matome Chiloane has condemned the “reprehensible” incident caught on video at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong.
In the video that has gone viral on social media, well-known South African pastor, Paseka Mostsoeneng also known as Pastor Mboro, is seen wielding pangas and threatening to attack teachers on the school premises. He is accompanied by someone who is believed to be his bodyguard who had a replica AK-47 Automatic Rifle in his possession.
“Disturbingly, another man is seen grabbing two learners, who were caught in the crossfire of this violent ordeal, while another is wielding an assault rifle. This violent and appalling behavior has no place in our schools or our society,” said the provincial Department of Education.
“The safety and well-being of our 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 traumatize 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.
The police said in a statement on Tuesday, August 5, that the local pastor, his security personnel, and others stormed the school and forcefully took two minor children.
Police have arrested four people following acts of intimidation and violence at the primary school. The famed founder of the Incredible Happenings Church is one of the arrested suspects.
“According to a preliminary report at our disposal, a conflict between two families over the custody of the boy learners enrolled at the school, in Grade RR and Grade 2, has been escalating. It is said that 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 a famous South African pastor,” said the department of Monday’s incident.
The deputy principal and some staff members refused to release the children without the grandmother’s permission.
This led to the pastor arriving at the school with bodyguards and weapons.
According to the department, teachers, acting on the said instructions from the grandmother, tried to prevent the father from leaving the school premises with the children. In response, the pastor brandished a panga threateningly at the teachers, allowing the father to leave with the children.
“Psycho-social support will be deployed for the affected teachers and learners to help them cope with the trauma resulting from this incident,” said the department.
Police said one of the suspects was arrested for assaulting the Station Commander at Katlehong North police station when a group of people was demanding to see the pastor outside the police station.
The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni says the possibility of police effecting more arrests cannot be ruled out as investigations into the matter continue.