Police have detained a suspect accused of founding a cult and raping his female followers, Southern Metropolis Daily reported on Friday.

The suspect, 47, surnamed Wu, a farmer from Huilai county, Guangdong province was arrested and faces charges of founding a cult in 1990 and spreading fallacies.

He is also accused of illegally collecting money by selling lucky charms and of raping his female followers.

Police in Guangdong province arrested Wu on July 30 and also detained 21 of his followers in a crackdown against the cult.

Investigations into the case are continuing.