A river cleansing ceremony in preparation for a crossover prayer turned deadly when congregants drowned in Soweto on Saturday. Congregants from a Zion church in Snake Park, Dobsonville allegedly slipped and drowned while going into the river for cleansing. 

STARTING AFRESH 

According to one of the victim's relatives, her cousin and the other congregants attended a river cleansing in order to start the year on a clean slate. Cynthia Mkhize says the ceremony was only attended by men early on Saturday morning. "There were more than 10 of them and my cousin Sifiso Mkhize (24) drowned with his two friends," she tells ZiMoja. Sifiso allegedly drowned while trying to rescue his friends. "I don't know why they went to the river because people were warned to stay away since it's been raining lately and the rivers are full. They knew they were risking their lives by going there," Cynthia adds. "I also believe that the water gods are angry. Look how flooded Soweto was a couple of weeks ago, yet some people had the bravery to treat the river like they know it."

FAMILY GRIEVING

Cynthia says the family is saddened by his untimely passing. "We had plans as a family, he was young and had dreams of his own. We will miss his humble spirit and the respect he had for everyone around him." Cynthia says Sifiso was a devoted Christian. "He was a church-loving person and although it's not consolation enough, he died doing what he loved, "she says.

Johannesburg emergency management services (EMS) spokesperson Nana Radebe confirmed the incident. "When we got there, we were informed that the men went there for a baptism ceremony. The alleged three guys went in and one slipped. The two other men tried to go in as well but it was too deep, they also slipped and drowned." Radebe says the body of one of the victims was recovered before midday, while the other two bodies were recovered after 2 pm on the same day.

This tragedy follows a recent incident that happened at Jukskei River where 15 congregants drowned during a baptism ceremony.