A religious gathering in Embalenhle, Mpumalanga, turned tragic on Sunday morning after three people drowned in the Wellas River during a baptism ceremony that was interrupted by rapidly rising water levels.
The victims — a 59-year-old woman and two teenagers aged 17 and 19 — were part of a church group that had gathered at the river around 10:00 for prayer and baptism activities under the guidance of a church leader.
According to preliminary reports from police, members of the group had already entered the water when conditions changed unexpectedly, with the river level rising rapidly and the current strengthening.
Police say the situation escalated when the older woman reportedly lost her footing in the water and attempted to hold onto the two teenagers, resulting in all three being swept away by the current.
“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. All three victims were later recovered from the river and declared dead.
Authorities say the incident unfolded within minutes, turning what was intended to be a moment of worship into a fatal emergency.
SAPS in Embalenhle has opened an inquest docket, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are ongoing.
