A group of men in a truck sprayed "smelly water" at the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg, said an eyewitness on Saturday.

"There were about five men in a truck and they sprayed smelly water, I won't say its sewerage water," said the man, who only identified himself as "Bishop's [church head, Bishop Paul Verryn] aid".

On Friday evening at 8.30pm, it was alleged that a truck stopped in front of the Methodist church and started spraying what was thought to be sewerage water.

According to the eyewitness, the dining area and some sleeping compartments were affected by the water.

At the site on Saturday, a health inspector, dressed in a City of Johannesburg shirt, escorted by church workers, surveyed the area where the water was sprayed. He refused to speak to Sapa when approached for comment.

He also walked around the area interviewing people who were present during the incident. Verryn was unable to comment on the matter immediately.

An estimated 2563 refugees live in the church.

Verryn has been both praised and criticised for harbouring the refugees at the church, at one stage even facing death threats — apparently from businesses in the area.

Earlier this year, however, the Gauteng government and the City of Johannesburg were forced to act after a law firm in the area took them to court for failing to enforce municipal bylaws.

The High Court, which is next to the church, ordered the removal of the refugees from the CBD — and the removal of toilets set up for them in the street outside the church.

In March, the provincial government said it had identified six buildings in and around the city for the refugees' relocation.

A group of refugees were expected to be moved in the middle of June.

Sapa

Week in Quotes Judge Hlophe bashes Latin; Malema hates Mickey Mouse; and Lekota hasn't punched anyone...

The iafrica.com debate Should our judicial system be 'Africanised'? Ebrahim Moolla takes on Rebekah Kendal...

Quirky & Bizarre Do you need a laugh? Then check out our offbeat stories from around the world...