14 Johane Masowe churchgoers have been confirmed dead after they drowned in a river during a baptism ceremony on Saturday evening.
Thirty-three members of a Zimbabwean white garment church from Alexandra went for baptism in the Jukskei River in Morningside, Johannesburg, when a flash flood occurred, resulting in the tragedy.
Eyewitnesses told the media that the congregants were standing on rocks in the river when a deluge of water poured. The church leader reportedly escaped death by a whisker when he held on to an overhanging tree branch while being swept away.
The police, fire service and specialist aquatic rescue teams, will continue searching today for three people who are still missing.
Spokesperson of the City of Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services Robert Mulaudzi told eNCA that the teams first recovered two drowned bodies on Saturday before 12 others were retrieved on Sunday from the Jukskei River, bringing the count to 14.
“Our residents, especially congregants who normally practice these kinds of rituals, will be tempted to go to these river streams. Our message for them is to exercise caution as and when they conduct these rituals,” Mulaudzi said.
Victor Ncube, a member of the Johane Masowe church, told the media that he rescued five people from the river who had been swept 100 metres downstream.
SOUTH AFRICA: In a tragic incident, at least 45 individuals lost their lives in Limpopo,… Read More
University of Zimbabwe Professor Itai Muwati Allegedly Murdered Over Disagreement with Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa Following… Read More
Zimbabwean influencer Shadaya Tawona Knight has reached out to the Zimbabwe Republic Police for assistance… Read More
Reports from concerned drivers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) indicate that Jeremiah Kamuterera,… Read More
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an investigation after discovering 20 young women who… Read More
In an electrifying showdown at Rufaro Stadium, newly promoted side Bikita Minerals clinched their maiden… Read More