Second body recovered in Kliprivier cleansing ceremony
Two individuals drowned in the Kliprivier during a cleansing ceremony, and the search for their bodies began on November 18.
Two people were washed away during a cleansing ceremony at the Kliprivier in Johannesburg on November 18.
According to Joburg EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo, the search and rescue teams, including the aquatic rescue unit and the police water wing, immediately began searching for the bodies of the two young individuals.
“The search continued for several days, with the crew suspending their efforts on Sunday to explore their options. The search resumed on Tuesday, and the search team recovered a body of an unidentified female from the Klipriver near the N1 bridge.
“On Wednesday, the body of a 21-year-old male was recovered from the Klipriver. The female body, believed to be one of the two people who drowned on Saturday, was identified as Ayaphiwe Ndothi by her family. The search for the second body is ongoing and the authorities are working to confirm if it is one of the two missing individuals,” said Khumalo.
Khumalo said the families of the two drowning victims are devastated.
“The forensic department is also involved in the identification process. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with attempting to cross rivers during cleansing ceremonies or other activities,” said Khumalo.
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