Church drownings: Death toll rises to 14 as search continues for more bodies

Jonisayi Maromo|Published 2 years ago

At least 14 bodies of congregants have been recovered from the Jukskei River after members of the Masowe church were swept away during a ritual. Picture: Arrive Alive/Twitter

THE CITY of Joburg’s emergency management services (EMS) on Monday morning resumed the search for more bodies of worshippers who were swept away by flash floods in the Jukskei River during a ritual by the Masowe church.

By Monday morning the death toll had risen to 14, while emergency personnel were scouring the area, led by rescue dogs.

Speaking to the SABC, Joburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said that on Saturday one woman was rescued and two bodies were recovered.

“On Saturday, we recovered two people (bodies), and one lady was rescued. She was taken to the nearest health-care facility for further medical care, and yesterday (Sunday), between 8 in the morning and around 6 in the evening, we managed to recover about 12 bodies,” said Mulaudzi.

The twelve bodies recovered on Sunday brought the death toll to 14.

At least 14 bodies of congregants have been recovered from the Jukskei River. Picture: Arrive Alive/Twitter

Mulaudzi said there are still families reporting that their loved ones are missing, with concerns that they could have been part of the congregation.

“We have three families who are still worried about their loved ones. They do not know whether they are also part of the people who might be missing. So we agreed that we will be going back this morning to try and search for the other missing people,” he said.

“The other reason why we are going back is that they (the Masowe church) do not really have a register to say how many people were there.

“Initially, we were told on Saturday that the congregants were about 33 when they were conducting this ritual. When the storm was in progress, there were a lot of people who managed to escape.”

Mulaudzi said the families that are still looking for their loved ones would be assisted.

The Masowe church, although not a single institution, is characterised by white garments for both men and women worshippers, often seen congregating in bushes and open spaces.

Popular in Zimbabwe, the church is also very common across South Africa, with many locals also attending prayer sessions and intercessions.