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
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster

Bishop Richard Moth has been confirmed as the new Archbishop of Westminster, the most senior post in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. 

The mystery of the Wise Men
The mystery of the Wise Men

The carol assures us that “We three kings of Orient are…” and tells us they were “following yonder star”. Can we be sure there were three of them? Were they kings? Where in the Orient were they from? What was the star they followed? In fact, there is a lot that we just do not know. This is the story …

English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.