A South African pastor who recently claimed to have ascended to Heaven and taken pictures of the pearly gates is now in hot water after charging a fee to see the photos.

Paseka Motsoeneng, also known as Prophet Mboro, the leader of the Church of Incredible Happenings, was reportedly "captured" to heaven last Easter Sunday and claimed to have taken photos using his Galaxy Smartphone, according to his spokesperson.

But instead of publicising the pictures to substantiate his claim, those who want to get their hands on the photos need to make a donation of R5,000 (or about £240 or $340), before the images will be transferred via WhatsApp.

Now, South Africa's Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) is gearing to reinstate criminal charges against the prophet for extortion, reported ENCA.

The prophet had previously been in trouble over accusations of commercialising religion when he was investigated for his lavish lifestyle and failing to submit the audited financial statements of his church. The Commission has tried mediation but negotiations have failed so criminal charges are expected to be filed next week.

The prophet has claimed innocence and said he is willing to go to jail to protect his church.

"We are monitoring the heaven selfies – this is extortion and commercialisation of religion. We are also going to issue him with a subpoena for the selfies," said CRL chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva.

Meanwhile, Prophet Favour Stephens, secretary general of the South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) said Mboro's actions bordered on idolatry and asked his followers to leave his church.

"He calls himself a Christian but his church is a cult, he's not following the doctrines of Christianity. People must stop going to his church and start going to a Bible-believing Church instead," she said.