'Prophet of Doom' Ordered to Stop Spraying Toxic Pesticide in People's Faces
Lethebo Rabalago, the controversial South African pastor who has been spraying an insecticide on his congregants, claiming that God is using it for miraculous healings, has been ordered by Limpopo's Department of Health to stop using the toxic substance.
Northglen News reported on Monday that Rabalago, who heads the Mount Zion General Assembly, has until January to explain why the Health Department's order should not be made permanent.
Department spokesman Derrick Kganyago affirmed that officials obtained the order out of concern for people's health, arguing that despite the pastor's claims that the insecticide called Doom is being used by God to heal people, the spray is a serious health concern and is not for human consumption.
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Rabalago's church has said that the pastor "begins to speak to demons in order to address problems people face each day. He then drives them out of their bodies to free the people."
The self-proclaimed prophet, who has said the spray can cure seriousness illnesses such as HIV and cancer, insisted that God can use anything according to His will, and argued that the spray was not so different from other pastors using water or oil in services.
"It's not a matter of inspiration. When one is inspired you are copying. It's not a matter of inspiration. No one inspired me. I just believe in God for anything. We can use anything that you believe to heal people," Rabalago has said.
"In the book of Genesis the spirit of God was hovering over the water. [Therefore] everything here on Earth belongs to God. Petrol belongs to God. Doom belongs to God," he added.
Still, Tiger Brands, the company that produces the Doom spray, has said that its product should not be used on people.
"Doom has been formulated to kill specific insects which are detailed on the cans, and the packaging has very clear instructions and health warnings for humans which must be adhered to. Using this product for purposes other than what it is intended for poses health risks and is therefore dangerous," the company's statement read.
Several religious groups, including the Freedom of Religion South Africa, which represent 99 denominations and churches, have also condemned the pastor, arguing that his practice cannot be compared to Jesus Christ's healings of people with diseases and ailments.
"Spraying a known toxic liquid over another person, and thereby causing them physical harm, is both unlawful and illegal," the church group said in November.
"We therefore call upon the government to exercise its powers to ensure that this action is reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, to ensure that its perpetrator is prosecuted to the full extent of the law," it added.
Several church members have come out in support for Rabalago, however, with some claiming that they have indeed been healed after being sprayed by Doom.
The Southern Times reported of one woman, named Surprise Mathe, who claimed that she had been feeling pains in her stomach and waist, and had a rash on her face before Rabalago used Doom on her.
"He said 'this rash is not supposed to be here,'" according to Mathe. "After a few minutes of being sprayed Doom on my face, rash slowly started to disappear. Give God the glory."
