‘Prophet of Doom’ in court to fight interdict

“DOOM is boss!” sang the supporters of a Limpopo preacher facing a court battle against the state for his healing methods.

Yesterday, Lethebo Rabalago – aka the “Prophet of Doom” – made his first appearance in the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane.

He is challenging the interdict by the Limpopo health department seeking his usage of an insecticide spray for healing to be outlawed.

The department took action after images of the young preacher spraying people with insecticide during a prayer meeting went viral last year. Rabalago, 24, is the leader of Mount Zion General Assembly, a church based in Zebediela near Lebowakgomo.

He claims to be following God’s instructions with his unorthodox method of healing, which the government and other critics have labelled demeaning and dangerous.

Yesterday, a group of about 60 supporters, wearing white T-shirts with a picture of Rabalago and the words “Touch Not the Anointed One” written on them, sang his praises outside the new court building in the provincial capital.

However, the turnout did not live up to Rabalago’s expectations.

In a previous interview with Dispatch sister publication Sowetan, the preacher had said he expected many people from across the country to show up in his support.

The group of supporters yesterday consisted mostly of women who refused media interviews.

Rabalago was accompanied by two bodyguards in suits, who did not allow members of the media to speak to him.

When Rabalago walked out of court, wearing a maroon slim-fit jacket and two-tone formal shoes, the group of supporters marched behind him as they sang along the way.

At some point the women knelt in the middle of Biccard Street and sang “we will go with our prophet wherever he goes”.

The songs grew more colourful with some singing “Doom is Boss” and “Where there is Doom there are no problems”.

Earlier, the department’s lawyer said he was ready to proceed with the matter, but Rabalago’s legal representative Edmond Lubisi requested for more time to prepare.

After court, Lubisi said the matter was postponed to allow parties involved to exchange documents.

Asked if he believed they had a strong case, Lubisi said the case involved the law and faith, adding the two should be kept separate.

The department has argued in court papers that Rabalago’s practices could cause long-term illnesses that might even lead to death.

Despite widespread criticism, Doom cans sold like hot cakes during Black Friday sales in November. — TMG