Africa-Press – South-Africa. A baptism took a tragic turn when two people fell into the water and drowned in Masetheko Dam in Limpopo on Sunday morning.
A third person managed to swim and get out of the dam, and a fourth was rescued, according to police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
Police divers retrieved the bodies of Elvis Ramakgaphola, 21, and Michael Rampa, 29, later that day.
Two inquests were opened, Mojapelo added.
Free State rivers claim 7 lives, including priest, congregant who drowned during baptism
The drowning comes after a similar incident in the province on 12 June, when a priest and a female congregant drowned in the Mogol River in Lephalale.
The 36-year-old priest, Titus Mosima from Abbotspoort, had been performing religious rituals along with the 39-year-old woman, Noko Suzen Chaba from Hlogo-ya-nku.
Chaba was taken to hospital but was certified dead on arrival.
The body of the priest was retrieved the day after the drowning.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe warned: “Members of the community are cautioned to be careful and wary when using dams and rivers for any purpose, including religious activities.”
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