"Stop it!"
That was the order issued by authorities in South Africa addressed to a controversial pastor nicknamed "Prophet of Doom" who has been spraying insecticide with the brand name "Doom" on his congregants.
Pastor Lethebo Rabalago has been claiming that God is using the toxic spray for miraculous healings, an allegation backed by the testimony of some of his congregants, Northglen News reported.
Rabalago heads the Mount Zion General Assembly based in the South African province of Limpopo.
On Monday, Limpopo's Department of Health issued a warning to Rabalago telling him that he has until January to explain why the Health Department's order for him to desist from his insecticide spraying practice should not be made permanent.
The health department said it issued the order out of concern for people's health, saying that the spray used by the pastor has been proven to be toxic.
The Doom insecticide, according to its manufacturer, Tiger Brands, should not be used on people since it "has been formulated to kill specific insects which are detailed on the cans."
"Using this product for purposes other than what it is intended for poses health risks and is therefore dangerous," the company's statement read.
The government is being supported by several religious groups, including the Freedom of Religion South Africa, which represents 99 denominations and churches in South Africa. These religious groups have condemned Rabalago, saying that what he is doing cannot be compared to what Jesus Christ did in healing sick people.
"Spraying a known toxic liquid over another person, and thereby causing them physical harm, is both unlawful and illegal," the Freedom of Religion South Africa said in a statement issued last month.
"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.
