Controversial pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng of Incredible Happenings Church and his bodyguard Clement Baloyi appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, Ekurhuleni.Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
Incredible Happenings Church members praised Pastor Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng’s anointing oil for exposing the State and alleged contradictory statements by the investigating officer in the bail application on Wednesday.
Magistrate Katlego Mokoena at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court rolled over the case to Thursday for bail application of Mboro and his co-accused Vincent Baloyi.
Earlier, the court dealt with a recusal application brought by the State, which wanted Mokoena to ship out from the case. This is after the witness and State prosecutor, Pheelo Vilakazi, accused Mokoena of making inappropriate remarks and inviting defence to her chambers.
Mokoena dismissed the State’s application to recuse herself, citing that the State’s case lacked “merit”.
She said the State should have engaged her rather than accusing her of being biassed. Mokoena also said the court was dumbfounded by the State’s application.
Mokoena said she was reminded of a Sepedi idiom which she said Vilakazi put her in, which is translated to: “I am damned if I do, and I’m damned if I don’t”.
She was referring to an act that if she recuses herself, it would not make a difference and that she was bound by her oath of office.
The defence dealt with the issue of the alleged automatic firearm charge, it said this was a replica and not a real firearm. They also questioned the competency of the investigating officer for agreeing for the charge to fall under schedule 5 while the firearm is unreal.
The defence also asked to be provided with a certificate, that outlines being credited to as schedule 5. Vilakazi said the State did not have the certificate readily available.
The defence then tackled the authenticity of the rifle that was seen in the video that went viral.
The investigating officer (IO) took the stand and told the court that a replica gun is dangerous and is capable of causing harm such as injuring the eyes.
The defence asked whether the investigation had been concluded and also asked about the whereabouts of the rifle.
“Investigations are ongoing, the rifle was taken for ballistics. The videos were taken for cyber investigators,” said the IO.
Asked what he saw that day, the IO said he saw a black BMW and a white vehicle outside the school on the day of the incident on August 5.
“There was a fight inside the school, accused 3 (son) was locked in the staff room. Accused number 1 fired a shot after going into the black car. One rifle was recovered and the second one was never found,” said the IO.
He was asked the time of the day he visited the school in Katlehong to investigate, however, he said he did not look at the time.
“I did not look at the time or the day, I visited the school for further investigation,” said the IO.
Defence lawyer advocate Phillip Dlamini again asked about the colour of the cars. The IO seemed confused, that was when the defence dismissed him saying he was not sure about information.
At 4pm, Mokoena suggested rolling over the case to Thursday, however, Vilakazi said he was not going to be available, which led the defence to again accuse the State of delay tactics.
Mboro, while in the dock, expressed dissatisfaction judging by the way he threw his hand.
Mokoena told Vilakazi to rather reschedule his appointments or ask any of his colleagues to step in.
“There are many colleagues that you can ask to stand in for you. The matter will be back in court on Thursday,” said Mokoena.
Congregants supporting Mboro accused the State and the police of being unfair to their leader.
“People have been bought to come and lie. These people hate our leader. But today it was like he (Mboro) chewed on something… They are burning. I applaud the power of the anointing oil. This man is powerful, look at how today’s proceedings went, the State tried to delay the case but Mboro’s power intervened hence we are coming back on Thursday. Dark or blue he will be free,” said church members.
The congregants said there are far more important cases the court should be dealing with than targeting Mboro.
Earlier when Mboro entered the dock, he opened up his hands, making gestures of worshipping and praying. He also grabbed an opportunity to turn and face the congregants and his family members. They waved at him, silently and beaming with smiles. He then turned and sat down, now and again making theatrical gestures.
The Star
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