One Ronald Rikhotso, reportedly drowned during a baptism ceremony in the Groot Letaba River in Nwamarhanga village, Limpopo, South Africa on Saturday, March 18, 2023. The 27-year-old fell into the water after his baptism and tragically lost his life.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, spokesperson for the Limpopo police, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday. The police have opened an inquest case in Giyani following the incident. According to the statement, the church congregants, led by their priest, were performing religious rituals when the tragedy occurred. After the conclusion of the session, one of the congregants reportedly went back to the river to collect water, and Ronald Rikhotso slipped and drowned.
The SAPS Provincial Search and Rescue Team were informed of the incident and divers were deployed to pull the victim's body from the river, according to Colonel Ledwaba. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, cautioned members of the public to be careful and wary when using rivers and dams for any purpose, including religious activities.
