Doom Pastor goes into hiding

He has fled for his life after the health MEC threatened to take him for mental evaluation and others called him a satanist.

Controversial “pastor” Lethebo Rabalago, 24, has fled, allegedly fearing for his life. Rabalago, who gained notoriety after spraying the insecticide Doom on “sick” congregants, claiming to heal them, has allegedly been squatting with friends and relatives in Mathibela, a short distance from Lebowakgomo township. Some reports suggested he might have skipped the border into neighboring Zimbabwe

The Citizen can reveal that the wayward pastor has not been sleeping at home since Limpopo MEC for health Phophi Ramathuba threatened to take him for mental evaluation on Wednesday.

Ramathuba vowed this week to approach the courts to seek permission to take Rabalago for an evaluation.

“He is no longer sleeping at home. He is hopping from one place to the other. The last time I saw him was early this week,” said a close relative who did not want to be named.

During visits to Rabalago’s village on Wednesday and on Thursday, there was no sign of him. Neighbours claimed the “pastor” comes and goes during the day and that he was never seen after dusk.

Rabalago’s mother, Everista, said on Thursday he was not at home and that she had no idea where he was. The mother, who is physically challenged, confirmed she was not a member of her son’s Mount Zion General Assembly Church.

“I don’t know where my son is, and please, in the name of God, I do not want anything to do with him, his claims or his church,” said Rabalago’s perturbed mother.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rabalago said he was ordered by his senior pastor not to talk to anyone about the Doom fiasco.

“I have realised that since I used Doom to assist my people, I have created more enemies than friends. Even some of the pastors have already perceived me a satanist,” said Rabalago.

“I will, therefore, not say anything … Let’s speak after the dust has settled.”

African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe condemned the behaviour of the pastor, calling it evil.

On Thursday, Limpopo premier and ANC provincial chairperson Stanley Mathabatha also condemned the pastor’s methods.

“It is wrong to prey on innocent people, abusing their trust by feeding them with poisonous substances meant to kill insects, all in the name of God,” Mathabatha said.

SA Police Service provincial spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe said there had been no formal complaint opened against Rabalago by anyone.

“We will not hesitate to put Rabalago behind bars if a criminal case against him is opened. But until such time, Rabalago is a free man,” said Ngoepe.

Source : Online