Three people drown during baptism ritual in Soweto

Three people have drowned at a stream in the Snake Park near Mayibuye Bridge in Soweto during a baptism ritual.  

Johannesburg Emergency Services Nana Radebe said the bodies of the three males were found on Saturday.

Drowning

“Three bodies of males between the ages of 24 and 30 were found after drowning at a stream in Snake Park during a baptism. EMS aquatic unit and SAPS divers recovered the bodies.

The tragedy comes just hours before the country kicks in the 2023 New Year.

Jukskei River drownings

Earlier this month, a group of churchgoers were swept away in a flash flood when they were overwhelmed by the raging water during heavy downpours.

At least 15 worshippers drowned in the river during the baptism ritual.

Baptism rituals

Joburg Emergency Services Robert Mulaudzi urged residents of the City of Johannesburg at the time to be cautious when conducting baptism rituals at riverbanks.

“We know that during the festive season there will be a lot of religious ceremonies like baptisms, but water levels are high. They must exercise caution, and have safety measures in place when they conduct these rituals.”

ALSO READ: Jukskei River drownings: Search continues for missing three-month-old baby

Weather warning

Meanwhile, with the new year just hours away, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for adverse weather condition,

ALSO READ: Extreme weather warnings issued ahead of New Year celebrations

The weather service said most of the rainfall expected will be over Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), northern Free State as well as the eastern parts of North West.

Emergency services on high alert

Radebe urged residents to take extreme precautions during these adverse weather conditions.

“We want to urge all our residents out there, especially those in low-lying areas to be cautious. Try and avoid crossing rivers and streams and also monitor kids to stay away from rivers and streams”.

“Most importantly, our motorists while driving must exercise caution, maintain a safe following distance, try and avoid crossing flooded roads and flooded bridges so that we can prevent incidents where vehicles might be swept away”, he said.

Radebe said Joburg Emergency Services will be monitoring all seven regions of the city.

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