Search resumes for two swept away during cleansing ritual
Johannesburg emergency services will on Tuesday resume the search and rescue operation for two young people believed to have drowned during a cleansing ritual.
The 18-year-old woman and 21-year-old man were swept away during a cleansing ritual at the Kliprivier in Olifantsvlei on Saturday night.
Emergency services have been at the river since Saturday searching for the bodies.
Joburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says the search will continue along the river streams after it was called off on Monday afternoon.
Mulaudzi said this was to allow the river streams to give off overnight.
The search is being conducted by the City of Johannesburg Aquatic Rescue Unit together with Police Divers.
Mulaudzi urged residents to be cautious during cleansing rituals and baptisms to ensure they remain safe.
"Our residents are urged to continue to be cautious as and when they are conducting these rituals, ensure that congregants are safe so that we can be able to prevent incidents like this one," he said.
The incident comes a week after an 18-year-old teenager went missing while trying to cross a river in Soweto.
The river was overflowing following heavy rains.
Emergency services said the teenage boy slipped and fell into the river.
The body has since been recovered.
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