Baby among three still missing in Jukskei River baptism tragedy
Johannesburg emergency services are continued searching for at least three people who are still missing following this weekend’s baptism tragedy in the Jukskei River.
Fourteen people died after the group of churchgoers were swept away by flash floods during a baptism ritual near Bramley Park.
It is understood that a group of some 30 people were attending the ceremony when a storm hit.
Emergency services spokesperson Xolile Khumalo says a three-month-old baby is among the three missing people.
"We have been told that three people are still missing, but we are not certain about that because this is the information that we have been given. We don't know for sure if those people really went for the baptism. The search continues along the river hoping to find some people who may have been swept away."
Khumalo cautioned against baptism ceremonies in rivers during the rainy season.
"We called on churches to hold off on baptism, especially during this time of the year, because we have heavy rains and flash floods. You will never know what will happen, maybe try some other time.
We are really pleading, people should stay away from running waters, rivers and low-lying areas, people should be cautious and be vigilant."
