Bishop and church member drown during baptism at Phiphidi Dam
Police spokesperson Lt Col Mamphaswa Seabi warned communities not to venture into rivers for swimming and baptism purposes without first checking the depth of the area they are in.
LIMPOPO – Bishop Collen Mufamadi (38) from the Redemption Apostolic Church in Gogobole, who uses his house as a rehabilitation facility for young nyaope addicts to help them find their way back to leading normal lives again, and a church member Rihone Tshivhombela (Mufamadi) (22) drowned during a baptism ceremony of new members at Phiphidi Dam on November 10.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Lt Col Mamphaswa Seabi said three church members fell into the dam during the ceremony, of which one managed to swim to safety.
“A bishop was reportedly conducting a baptism ritual in the dam when two people who were to be baptised fell into the dam. One of them managed to swim out.”
The bodies were later retrieved by police search and rescue members.
You might also want to read: Local News‘Put up a wall to prevent further drownings’ – Grandfather pleas
Seabi warned communities not to venture into rivers for swimming and baptism purposes without first checking the depth of the area they are in.
He warned the community that there are crocodiles in most rivers. Two inquest dockets have been opened and police investigations continue.
Mufamadi’s brother, Calvin, said the family were saddened by the deaths, but they put everything in the hands of God.
“Our brother was a religious person who had strict rules. He would never hurt a fly and he taught us not to bear grudges. We are happy that he died in the hands of the Lord and not at any other place. He always respected everybody and was loved in the community.”
He added that life will never be the same without him.
“I accept what happened as the will of God, but I still have many unanswered questions. We find solace in the fact that he died like a soldier in the fold of God.”
Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe warned congregates to be vigilant around dams and rivers.
Tshivhombela will be buried on Saturday at Tshiozwi and Bishop Mufamadi on Sunday at Ramahantsha. The service will start at 06:00.
