Just ‘Doom' It
Drum English|8 December 2016

A Limpopo pastor, now dubbed the “Prophet of Doom”, is spraying his congregation with poisonous insect spray. Is he just another man of God more interested in grabbing headlines than saving souls? 

Nomzamo Ngcobo
Just ‘Doom' It

IT WAS only a matter of time before another so-called “man of God” with weird and not-so-wonderful ideas emerged: We’ve had the pastor from Soshanguve who fed his followers snakes, claiming they tasted like chocolate; a prophet who made his congregants eat grass; and another who advocated drinking petrol.

Now we have Prophet Lethebo Rabalago of the Mount Zion General Assembly in Zebediela, Limpopo, who made headlines when he was photographed spraying his flock with Doom, an insecticide.

Dubbed the “Prophet of Doom”, the 24-year-old claims he uses the spray to heal people from cancer, HIV and other illnesses. When we contacted Prophet Rabalago, he politely declined to chat.

“As much as I would like to do the interview, I can’t do it because my [spiritual] Father has instructed me not to speak to the media,” he responded. “I’m very sorry. When my Father has spoken, there is nothing I can do.”

So we checked out his Facebook page.It explains he commands demons to enter people’s bodies so they can manifest. He then speaks to the demons to address any problems, then drives them out of the bodies to free the people.

According to the Prophet, Doom, like every thing else, belongs to God and therefore has the power to heal. His worshippers have even posted testimonies of his “cures” on his Facebook page.

Despite the outcry, the Prophet insists he won’t stop. He even sprayed Doom on his own face at one of his Sunday services.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DRUM ENGLISHView all
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020