Hands off snakes, SPCA tells pastor

The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) officials pounced at the prophet's residents and reportedly told him hands off snakes after he reportedly ordered the congregants to eat snakes which he said turned into chocolate.

Prophet Penuel Mnguni, the leader of End times Disciples Ministries in Soshanguve was paid a visit by the authorities after reports of him feeding his congregants a snake sufficed during the week.

In a report on Wednesday, Daily Sun‘s website said that Inspectors from the SPCA and the nature conservation department accompanied Metro cops to search his church and home for animals.

When asked where the snakes were kept, the pyjama-wearing prophet said: "I don't keep reptiles in my house or church. I catch them when I need them. God gave me the power to turn them into chocolate," the website said.

Apparently a young church member at the scene to support the prophet said: "They must leave our pastor alone. He is one of the few chosen pastors with extra powers to perform miracles. If needs be, we will fight and die for him."

The Tshwane SPCA and the nature conservation department said they would open a case against the pastor, Daily Sun said.

SPCA inspector Meshack Matlou said: "We'll continue to take action. It's our duty to prevent the abuse of animals."