A religious gathering turned tragic on Sunday morning after three people drowned in the Wellas River in Mpumalanga following a sudden rise in water levels during a baptism ceremony.
SAPS in Embalenhle has opened an inquest docket as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of a 59-year-old woman and two teenagers aged 17 and 19, who were part of a church group conducting prayer and baptism activities at the river at around 10:00.
According to preliminary reports, the group had gathered at the river under the guidance of a church leader when members entered the water for baptism. It is alleged that conditions changed rapidly as the water level began to rise unexpectedly.
Police say the situation escalated when the older woman lost her footing in the current and attempted to hold onto the two teenagers for support, resulting in all three being pulled under.
“The church leader attempted to rescue the victims but was unsuccessful,” police confirmed.
Emergency services, including the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, were dispatched to the scene, where all three bodies were later recovered and declared deceased.
Police say the incident unfolded within minutes, turning a moment of worship into a fatal emergency.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation,” police said.
Authorities have urged communities to exercise extreme caution when conducting activities in open water, especially during religious or group gatherings where multiple participants may be exposed at once.
Police have cautioned against underestimating natural water conditions, particularly rivers, which can change rapidly due to upstream flow and weather patterns.
“Please exercise extreme caution when conducting activities in and around open water, particularly during religious or recreational events” authorities said.
An inquest docket has been opened, and further details will be determined as part of the ongoing investigation into how the water conditions changed and whether safety measures were in place during the baptism.
Saturday Star