Agencies | 21 March 2017

The Limpopo High Court has interdicted Pastor Lethebo Rabalago, popularly known as the “Prophet of Doom” from using Doom insect repellent on his congregation, the Limpopo health department said.

Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, welcomed the Limpopo High Court ruling.

“We believe this will be a lesson to many other Pastors who use these unusual practices against the poor and vulnerable members of our society,” Ramathuba said in statement.

“We will also as the department run various health education programmes with a view of helping our people to understand effects of some of these practices.”

Ramathuba said that Rabalago’s activities came under the spotlight after pictures of him spraying Doom on his congregants went viral on social media platforms.

He said the department remained committed in its efforts to reduce the burden of disease within communities.

Rabalago’s lawyer Edmond Lubisi told reporters outside court that they had not received instruction to appeal.

Lubisi claimed the case was unique, as it was first time a religious practice had been challenged in court.