The search for two people who were swept away by the Kliprivier during a cleansing ritual on Saturday has ended tragically, as rescue teams have recovered both bodies.
The Johannesburg emergency services (EMS) confirmed that the body of an 18-year-old woman was found near the N1 highway on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, while the body of a 21-year-old man was found on 24 November morning.
The two victims were part of a group of six people who were performing a cleansing ritual at the Kliprivier stream in Olifantsvlei, south of Johannesburg when they were caught by a strong current and dragged into the river. The traditional healer, who was performing the rituals for the two, got out of the river unharmed.
City of Johannesburg EMS confirmed the recovery of the second body:
“The search for a 21-year-old man swept away during a cleansing ceremony at the Kliprivier on Saturday has ended. His body was recovered this morning by the Search and Rescue team that has been tirelessly searching for him and an 18-year-old female since Sunday morning.”
EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said the search and rescue mission was conducted by the EMS aquatic rescue unit, the South African Police Service SAPS water wing and K9 units, and the Gauteng provincial disaster management centre. He said heavy rains and the high water levels hampered the search, making it difficult to locate the bodies.
The SAPS spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said the police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We are appealing to anyone who might have information about this incident or the group to contact the Kliprivier police station or the nearest police station,” Masondo said.
The family of the girl who was swept away during the cleansing ceremony have positively identified her. They confirmed the girl to be confirmed Ayaphiwe Ndothi (18).
On Wednesday, they failed to positively identify her because she was covered in mud. They however managed to identify her through her feet and eyes.
Source iHarare
