Police in Giyani have opened an inquest case after a 27-year-old pilgrim drowned in a river during a baptism ritual in Limpopo.
It was learned that the man plunged into the water and drowned after being baptized in the Groot Letaba River in Nwamarhanga village on Saturday morning.
Baptism by immersion
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers had been alerted to the incident by other congregants.
“According to the information, the congregation led by the imam had performed religious rituals and after the meeting, one of the congregation returned to the river to fetch water. A 27-year-old man, identified as Ronald Rikhotso, reportedly jumped in and drowned.
“The police were alerted to the incident and the body was retrieved from the river by divers from the Provincial SAPS Search and Rescue Team,” Ledwaba said.
Ledwaba said police investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Commissioner in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe warned the public to be careful when using dams and rivers for any purpose including religious activities.
Also read: Government ‘to blame’ for death of church members in Jukskei River
Jukskei tragedy
Last year, at least 15 drowned during a baptism ceremony in the Jukskei River.
About 30 church members who had gathered in the river were caught in a strong current during the ritual and swept away.
Joburg Emergency Services Robert Mulaudzi at the time urged residents of the City of Johannesburg to exercise caution when performing baptismal rituals on the banks of the river.
“We know that during the festival there will be many religious ceremonies such as baptisms, but the water level is high. They must be careful, and have safety measures in place while performing the ritual.
Limpopo drowned
In June 2022, the police opened an inquest after two baptism candidates drowned at the Masetheko Dam in Limpopo.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mamphaswa Seabi said the duo died during a baptism ceremony conducted by a pastor at the dam.
Also read: Two congregations drowned during a baptism ritual in the Limpopo river