Body Of Missing Traditional Healer Recovered From Crocodile River

A traditional healer who went missing while performing rituals at Crocodile River has been found dead.

This brings to end a tragic multi-day search operation led by police divers.

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The body was recovered on Sunday after the man disappeared during a spiritual ceremony on Thursday.

Traditional Ritual Turns Tragic at Crocodile River

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, confirmed that the incident occurred when two men, a prophet and a traditional healer, visited the river to pray and conduct rituals.

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According to the prophet, the healer vanished during the ritual, and despite calling out and searching, he was unable to locate him.

In a desperate attempt to seek help, the prophet returned to the healer’s home to inform his wife and later accompanied her to the police station to officially report the disappearance.

The police responded by activating the diving unit, launching a search-and-recovery operation that lasted four days.

Body Recovered, Police Confirm Drowning

The police diving unit, along with emergency services, worked tirelessly from Thursday until Sunday afternoon when the traditional healer’s body was finally retrieved from the Crocodile River in the Kanyamazane area.

Emergency personnel on site declared the man dead, confirming he had drowned during the spiritual activity.

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No foul play is suspected at this stage, but authorities continue to caution the public about the risks associated with ritual activities in rivers and dams.

Police Urge Caution Ahead of Easter Rituals

Acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, issued a strong public safety warning ahead of the upcoming Easter weekend, a time when many communities engage in river baptisms and spiritual rituals.

“We urge all residents to exercise extreme caution when near bodies of water.We often experience tragic drownings during this period,” said Mkhwanazi.

He also stressed a rise in theft and robbery cases, warning ritual-goers not to leave their belongings unattended at rivers and dams.

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