Chevron South Africa’s engine oils and cleaning products are not “for healing”. Nor are they suitable for human consumption and should only be used for their intended purpose”.

The company issued a statement on Wednesday in response to media reports a day earlier about Prophet Bongani Maseko of Daveyton’s Breath of Christ Ministries making his congregation drink engine cleaning fluid all in the name of “healing” and “delivering”.

SowetanLIVE reported that pictures on the church’s Facebook page showed members of the church consuming contents of a black bottle with words “Formula A”.

Prophet Maseko confirmed what was in the bottle‚ and said that he did not do any research on the dangers that could come with his congregation consuming the engine cleaning fluid — he said he merely just prayed that it will do what he wanted it to do.

Chevron SA‚ which produces Caltex Havoline‚ Caltex Delo motor oils and engine cleaning products‚ said all its “engine oil products have warning labels which advocate responsible use and caution users to keep these products out of the reach of children”.

“Consumers are clearly advised that these products are flammable and not safe for consumption purposes‚” the company’s statement said.

“Caltex engine oils contain a petroleum-based mineral oil which should not be consumed. If these products are ingested‚ it is recommended that vomiting is not induced and that medical advice should be sought as a precaution.” – TMG Digital