No bail for 'Panga Pastor'

Charges stem from incident where accused allegedly kidnapped two kids.

- Molefe Seeletsa

Paseka "Pastor Mboro" Motsoeneng and his bodyguard will remain in custody after being denied bail yesterday along with his Motsoeneng, bodyguard Clement Baloyi and his son Vincent Motsoeneng, were in the dock at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court for the continuation of their bail applications.

The suspects face 12 charges, including kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm and assault.

These charges stem from an incident at Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, where the accused allegedly kidnapped two minors on 5 August.

A video of the event went viral on social media, showing the three men armed with pangas and an assault rifle as they forcefully took the children, who are related to Motsoeneng.

The incident has intensified a custody dispute between the relative and the children's maternal family following the death of their mother.

Delivering her ruling, Magistrate Katlego Mokoena said she considered the personal circumstances of the three men.