The hunt is on for a controversial pastor in South Africa who is known for force feeding his congregations live snakes and petrol.

Pastor Penuel Mnguni of the End Times Disciples Ministries, known as the 'snake pastor', is wanted by the Cultural, Linguistic and Religious Rights Commission (CLR).

Video footage of the services led by Mnguni, alongside Daniel Mosuoe of the Rabboni Centre Ministries, in which he was seen performing the acts, prompted the CLR to investigate the abuse of people's faith.

They summoned the church leader to a hearing but have been unable to find him as he seems to have no permanent address.

"We appeal to people out there, if they know where he is," said the commission's chair, Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva. "Because we need to summon him. As soon as we can verify his address, he'll also be here. We really mean business."

However hundreds in South Africa have protested against the commission, demanding that it leave their pastors alone, ENCA reports.

Pastor Mnguni initially made headlines for a photo published on End Times Disciples' website showing him drop a live snake into a congregant's mouth. The caption read, "those with small faith eats only vegetables but the ones with a great faith eats everything."

The two pastors had their church destroyed by a mob in August protesting at their practices. They were arrested and bailed but have since continued their practices.