The self-styled prophet and Baloyi were released on Thursday after more than a month in custody following their arrest on 6 August 2024 on 12 charges, including kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, discharging a firearm, assault and malicious damage to property.
Their first attempt at securing bail was rejected in August, with Magistrate Katlego Mokoena saying the pair had not discharged the onus that rests on them or provided any evidence that had satisfied the court that it was in the interest of justice that they be granted bail. Mboro’s son, however, was granted bail.
Position reversed
The outcome of the latest bail bid was influenced by a significant shift by prosecutor Peello Vilakazi who on Thursday reversed the State’s position on the schedule of offences. Despite having argued for a Schedule 5 classification earlier in the week, the State conceded that, based on the current evidence, the alleged rifle was a replica, and pending ballistic tests, reduced the matter to an unscheduled bail application.
The case follows the circulation of a video allegedly taken at Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, on 5 August 2024 which appears to show Mboro and another man wielding pangas, while a masked man carries what appears to be a rifle. On the other side of a closed orange gate, two men are seen having an intense interaction.
One man is heard saying, “kebana ba hae” (they are his children), while Mboro threatens, “Come to me, you will see, touch me, you will see”. Watch the video here.
An extended version of the video shows Mboro and his co-accused outside the school premises about to leave and him chasing after a man with a panga while two other men try to stop him. This version shows that he allegedly fired a rifle to disperse people as he left the school.
Charges and investigations
The incident reportedly arose from a custody dispute involving the children, leading to five dockets. According to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the charges are now consolidated into three main dockets: one for Motsoeneng, his son and Baloyi; another for malicious damage to property; and a third related to assault by Motsoeneng’s son. The remaining dockets involve charges laid by various parties, including the station commander of Katlehong North and Motsoeneng himself.
At least five people, including the children’s grandmother and uncle, were arrested in connection with the incident and released on R1,000 bail each in August.
The case is set to continue on 21 October. DM
