Malema supporters, locals burn down ‘snake-feeding’ preacher’s church

Supporters of controversial South African politician’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) joined by some locals have set fire to the church structure of Prophet Penuel Mnguni’s End Times Disciples Ministries, South Africa news outlets have reported.

According to one account by the Pretoria North Rekord, the tent structure of the End Times Disciples Ministries church in Soshanguve was set ablaze Sunday by members of the EFF and disgruntled locals in protest against his practice of feeding snakes and rats to members of his congregation.

The report cited the acting Gauteng EFF chairperson, Mandisa Mashego as saying the group was angry over the things the pastor made members of his congregation do in the name of God. They insisted on him eating rats and snakes himself, the report said.

The Eye Witness News reports that chaos erupted when the EFF members entered the church to see Mnguni who was absent at the time.

Police are investigating a case of public violence, it adds.

The preacher who was seen in a photo online feeding his congregation a ‘live snake’ was arrested by police in July and arraigned before court. He was released on bail after making an appearance.The court has adjourned indefinitely.

A photo of him allegedly feeding his followers with a live snake went viral on social media.

He allegedly fed his congregation live snakes to eat, telling them it would taste like chocolate.

The South African branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (SPCA), lodged the complaint to the police leading to his arrest. They made a complaint of cruelty to animals against him.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi