Two people drown during spiritual ceremony near Thohoyandou in Limpopo

An inquest docket has been opened by police in Thohoyando following the drowning of a 26-year-old prophet and a 16-year-old congregant on 19 December during an alleged spiritual ceremony, Polokwane Review reports.

Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says the incident occurred between Tshilapfene and Makwarani Villages when 12 congregants of a local church from Mashau Village in the Vuwani Policing precinct gathered at a river for prayer and a spiritual ceremony.

“The prophet and the teenager allegedly got into the water and drowned. Police Search and Rescue Services, as well as medical emergency services, recovered the bodies and the deceased were identified as Mutali Kone (26) and Steven Neluheni (16).”

Mojapelo cautioned residents to be extra careful when around dams and rivers for any reason including religious activities.

“Residents are further advised to only get into the water if it is safe to do so and can swim, to prevent this type of incident from happening again.”