POLOKWANE - - In yet another incident of drowning, two baptismal candidates drowned in the Masetheko dam under Maleboho policing area on Sunday, 19 June 2022.

A Pastor was reportedly busy conducting baptismal ritual in the said dam, when four people who were to be baptised fell into the dam. One of them managed to swim out, the other (a woman) was rescued and the remaining two drowned.

The two bodies were retrieved by divers from the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit on the same day at about 16:30. The deceased were identified as Elvis Ramakgaphola (21) and Michael Rampa (29) of Mohodi Ga-Manthata village.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has once more highlighted the potential dangers associated with stagnant water in the rivers and dams and warn community members about the alarming situation of drowning incidents taking place in the Province, especially during religious activities.

“Members of the community are cautioned to be careful and wary when using dams and rivers for any purpose, including religious activities,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Two cases of Inquests has been opened and police investigations are continuing.

Source: South African Police Service