A tragic incident occurred on Sunday morning, 04 February 2024, when a 25-year-old trainee traditional healer drowned in the Rainbow river at Majembeni Trust near Bushbuckridge.
The trainee, along with three male companions and a female traditional healer, had gone to the river to perform some rituals when the unfortunate incident took place.
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According to reports, during the ritual, one of the trainees disappeared inside the river. Despite a search effort, the trainee could not be found.
The matter was immediately reported to the Police, who called in divers to assist with the search. After three hours, the body of the trainee was retrieved from the river.
Although there were no visible injuries on the deceased’s body, an inquest is currently being investigated by the Police to determine the exact cause of the drowning.
In light of this tragic incident, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has issued a warning to the public.
General Manamela cautioned community members to exercise extra caution when engaging in activities near rivers, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
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Due to the recent continuous rainfall experienced in the region, rivers and dams are swollen, posing a significant risk to anyone venturing near them. The General emphasised the importance of being aware of the potential dangers and urged the public to prioritise their safety when conducting activities in or near bodies of water.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking necessary precautions and being vigilant while engaging in activities near rivers and dams. The SAPS encourages everyone to prioritise their safety and exercise caution during these times.
