Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE - The Police in Giyani have opened a case of inquest after a baptism took a tragic turn when a 27-year-old male congregant slipped into the water and drowned soon after baptism in Groot Letaba River in Nwamarhanga village yesterday, 18 March 2023 at about 08:00.

According to the information, the church congregants led by their priest, had been performing religious rituals and after they concluded with the session, one of the congregants went back to the river to collect water. The 27-year-old man, identified as Ronald Rikhotso, reportedly slipped and drowned.

Police were alerted about the incident and the body was retrieved from the river by the divers from the SAPS Provincial Search and Rescue Team.

The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe cautions members of the community to be careful and wary when using dams and rivers for any purpose including religious activities.

Police investigations are still continuing.

Ends

Enquiries:
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceService
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sapoliceservice_za/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPoliceService
Website: www.saps.gov.za