Hunt is on for pastor who force fed snakes to his congregation

Pastor Mguni is seen holding a snake that he then feeds to his congregants. Facebook

The hunt is on for a controversial pastor in South Africa who is known for force feeding his congregations live snakes and petrol.

Pastor Penuel Mnguni of the End Times Disciples Ministries, known as the 'snake pastor', is wanted by the Cultural, Linguistic and Religious Rights Commission (CLR).

Video footage of the services led by Mnguni, alongside Daniel Mosuoe of the Rabboni Centre Ministries, in which he was seen performing the acts, prompted the CLR to investigate the abuse of people's faith.

They summoned the church leader to a hearing but have been unable to find him as he seems to have no permanent address.

"We appeal to people out there, if they know where he is," said the commission's chair, Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva. "Because we need to summon him. As soon as we can verify his address, he'll also be here. We really mean business."

However hundreds in South Africa have protested against the commission, demanding that it leave their pastors alone, ENCA reports.

Pastor Mnguni initially made headlines for a photo published on End Times Disciples' website showing him drop a live snake into a congregant's mouth. The caption read, "those with small faith eats only vegetables but the ones with a great faith eats everything."

The two pastors had their church destroyed by a mob in August protesting at their practices. They were arrested and bailed but have since continued their practices.

related articles
Pastor who fed his congregation live snakes to face court
Pastor who fed his congregation live snakes to face court

Pastor who fed his congregation live snakes to face court

Snake-eating church is destroyed by angry mob
Snake-eating church is destroyed by angry mob

Snake-eating church is destroyed by angry mob

Lions, ants and bears: How the Bible teaches wisdom through animals
Lions, ants and bears: How the Bible teaches wisdom through animals

Lions, ants and bears: How the Bible teaches wisdom through animals

Feel like you\'re in a battle? 10 Bible verses to remind you that God has won
Feel like you're in a battle? 10 Bible verses to remind you that God has won

Feel like you're in a battle? 10 Bible verses to remind you that God has won

News
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.

New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities
New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities

Jim Shannon MP said the report records both “the progress observed” and “the ongoing challenges” that remain for religious minorities seeking to live in safety and freedom in Iraq.