In a shocking turn of events, Pastor Paseka Mboro Motsoeneng’s Incredible Happenings Ministry church in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, was set ablaze on Saturday evening. Initial investigations by the local authorities suggest that high school pupils might be behind this heinous act.

The fire, which started late in the evening, quickly consumed a significant portion of the church, causing extensive damage. Witnesses reported seeing a group of teenagers loitering near the premises shortly before the fire erupted. I saw a few boys in school uniforms around the church. They were acting suspiciously, said one witness who preferred to remain anonymous.

Pastor Mboro, known for his controversial and flamboyant style, expressed his heartbreak and dismay at the incident. This is not just an attack on a building; it’s an attack on our faith and the community we serve. I am deeply saddened and shocked that young people could be involved in such a destructive act, he said in an emotional address to his congregation on Sunday.

The motive behind the arson is still unclear, but police are exploring several angles. One theory is that the incident could be linked to recent social media challenges encouraging delinquent behavior among teenagers. Another possibility is a backlash against the pastor's outspoken sermons, which have occasionally stirred controversy.