Pretoria - A South African church leader has come under fire after reports that he made members of his congregation eat grass.

Pastor Lesego Daniel, who is based in Garankuwa, north of Pretoria, told dozens of followers to eat grass because “it will bring them closer to God”.

Daniel made headlines globally after images were shown of his followers laying down in a field and furiously munching grass. Further images were then shown of some followers vomiting.

The news has been carried by UK media and many South African organisations.

People were apparently been drawn to the pastor’s church, Rabboni Centre Ministries, after it was claimed that he performed miracles.

One of Daniel’s followers, Doreen Kgatle, says she had a stroke two years ago and could not walk but since eating the grass she regained the strength in her legs.

But many people have started questioning Daniel’s credentials and complained on the ministry’s Facebook page.

“No man of God would tell the people of his flock to eat grass... this man is not of God, run away as far as you can from him and his teachings,” said one user.

“Did you yourself taste that grass? Why feed it to your congregation? This is purely abuse of power and betraying God's word!” says another.

Daniel has not responded to the complaints or queries but some of his followers have come to his defence.

“I don't care what pepple say even my family members come and intimidate me but i stand firm in the word of God and tell them this is my pastor sent to me and the nations by God. To God be the Glory [sic],” said one church member. - eNCA/News24