Mthatha - More than 20 congregants "collapsed and vomited" on Thursday after drinking a mystery liquid given to them by their pastor in Mthatha, the Eastern Cape health department said.

Eastern Cape health department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said emergency services were called to the City Hall in the Mthatha CBD around 17:30.

"It is alleged that the congregants were given a liquid substance by their pastor when they suddenly vomited and collapsed.

"Over 20 people were treated by paramedics at the scene but refused to be taken to hospital. Only one agreed to be ferried to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital."

Kupelo said the liquid had not been identified yet, however health environmental officers and police would be investigating the matter.

The pastor, Prophet Phumzile Topi, had allegedly fled the scene.

Attempts to reach Topi were unsuccessful.

