Cape Town – Leader of Incredible Happenings Ministries Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng on Monday expressed frustration after being told to stop praying during his court session on Monday.
Mboro, his son Revival, and bodyguard Clement Baloyi face multiple charges, including kidnapping, following an incident in August where they allegedly abducted two minors at Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong.
A video of the incident, showing the men with weapons, went viral, though it was later revealed the assault rifle was a replica.
Mboro’s bail was set at R3,000, while his co-accused were released on a warning.
In court, after the state applied to transfer the case to a regional court, Mboro’s lawyer withdrew from the case.
As the magistrate explained Mboro’s bail conditions, Mboro prayed silently, prompting the magistrate to warn him not to pray during proceedings.
“What is happening with accused number 1? It seems like you’re not listening. Please, you cannot pray while the court is in session. Allow the matter to be postponed if you want to pray or act in a particular way, you can only do so when we are done with the matter,” the magistrate said.
[WATCH] “Please my good sir, you cannot pray while the court is in session.” The court orders Pastor Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng to refrain from conducting prayers in court. His case has been postponed to November 26 and transferred to the regional court. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/Pi9M7LzgbZ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 11, 2024
Following his appearance, Mboro, visibly upset, defended his actions, claiming he was simply praying silently and unaware it was a crime not to make eye contact with the magistrate.
He expressed his willingness to face jail for praying, citing his faith as his strength, especially during his previous jail time.
“I have a right [to pray] and did not speak loudly. Did you hear any word? I didn’t say any word and just bowed my hands, I didn’t know it was a crime, I learned about it today. Remember I’m faced with injustice. I just spent 40 days in jail and they lied in court. If I go to jail for praying, it’s okay. I’ve been there already.
Angry Prophet Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng, speaking outside the court, says he has the right to pray anywhere. Mboro appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on November 11.
Video by Happy Mnguni pic.twitter.com/bpPIgjAa74— Daily Sun (@dailysunsa) November 11, 2024
“What I did, I didn’t look at him. I looked up, I didn’t know that it was a crime to not look at the magistrate because when I start looking at him, they will say I’m intimidating him. I didn’t want to have eye contact, I just looked up. Did you hear me say anything loudly? I was just looking up. He knows when you put your hands together it’s obvious you’re praying, and he thought I was not listening to him.
“I was listening to him when he was giving me the bail conditions. I had to, because Jesus, carries my worries and sorrows for me. If I don’t do it, I’ll end up on drugs and violence against the people who beat my children and me,” Mboro said.
[WATCH] Self-proclaimed Prophet Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng takes a moment to pray ahead of his court appearance, alsongside his two co-accused, in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court. @POWER987News pic.twitter.com/Reh3C6m3nX
— Nkosi Malinga-Mnisi (@MnisiNkosikhona) November 11, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
