Students from seven secondary schools in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, set fire to Pastor Paseka Mboro’s Incredible Happenings Church on Tuesday morning.
The tent that used to hold thousands of people was destroyed by the time firefighters put out the blaze.
The incident happened after students, led by the Congress of South African Students (Cosas), went to the local police station to ask why the children’s maternal grandmother was arrested on Monday night. The grandchildren had been in her custody after their mother’s death.
While the station commander was talking to them, some students went to the church and set it on fire.
On Monday, Pastor Mboro and men with guns stormed Matshidiso Secondary School and demanded the release of his two grandchildren in Grade R and Grade 2, against their maternal grandmother’s orders.
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Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Annah Sithole said a team of detectives is investigating.
“The five arrested suspects face charges of assault, reckless firearm handling, unregistered security services, intimidation, and property damage. One suspect was arrested for assaulting the police station commander. We expect more arrests as the investigation continues,” said Sithole.
She also said they are investigating the arson and will arrest those involved in burning the church.
Resident Danny Skhosana supported the students.
“The pastor put our children’s safety at risk. Why did he need to be heavily armed at a school where there was no threat? Anything could have happened to the learners and teachers. We want the law to punish the pastor harshly,” said Skhosana.
The children are now with their paternal grandmother. The case to decide their custody will be heard in September.