According to Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, the deceased are members of a church from Hennenman.

He tells OFM News that the congregants were about to perform a ritual in the Tikwe River this weekend, when a 36-year-old woman passed the bishops and jumped into the river while they were still busy discussing how they were going to conduct the ceremony.

Thakeng adds that four people immediately jumped into the river to try to rescue her but they also drowned. Thakeng says that SAPS Diving Unit was summoned to the incident but it was already dark on their arrival and they decided to come back the following day, Sunday. He says the bodies were then retrieved from the river and identified by family members.

The five have been identified as the 41-year-old Bishop Mokete Mojeka, Bishop Phiriyamajola Leshoro (40), Arch Bishop Pitso Maphokoane (42), Thato Bandile (26) and Nomhle Bandile (36).

Thakeng has appealed to church leaders to take precautions during ceremonies such as baptisms, especially in rivers. He also requested people to avoid jumping into or entering rivers if they don't know how to swim.

OFM News