Two drown during apparent cleansing ritual in Bramley
Johannesburg emergency services have once again warned members of the public to avoid conducting rituals in water bodies, especially after heavy rains.
The warning comes after two women drowned, and two others were rescued by emergency personnel along the Jukskei River on Wednesday morning.
It's alleged a group of congregants had gathered to perform a ritual in Bramley, north of Johannesburg when four women were swept away.
"Four women were swept away by a flash flood. Two women were rescued, while two others unfortunately drowned," said EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo.
She warned members of the public to avoid conducting rituals in water bodies, especially after heavy rains.
"We plead with the community of Johannesburg, especially traditional healers, to refrain from performing these ceremonies during this time of the year. The river levels are too high, and the raging waters are dangerous to go into or for anyone to be baptised in it."
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and excessive lightning that may result in localised flooding in Gauteng, North West, Free State and Mpumalanga.
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