By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Seven more bodies were recovered from the Jukskei River on Sunday, after Saturday’s flash floods which swept away a church group who were conducting a baptism ritual.
This brings the total number of deceased to 9, while 6 remain missing.
This was confirmed by the Sandton Fire Station, as rescue teams continue to scour the long stretch of the river in Bramley Park in search for more bodies believed to be missing.
The incident took place just after the Corlett Drive offramp in Bramley Park, Sandton.
Investigations are continuing and rescue teams are expected to search throughout Sunday, after calling off the search on Saturday night.
“So far we will continue with the search to see whether we can be able to recover more bodies,” said Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) Robert Mulaudzi.
“Maybe the message to our residents out there is to be cautious as and when they conduct these kind of rituals to make sure they exercise caution, they do it in a safe place, and ensure that the safety measures are considered so that we can be able to prevent incidents like these.”
“The conditions at the river are good. Because it has not rained, the river is not too full and the current is not too strong. Rescuers are able to conduct their work with no problems.”
Families of the victims all waited outside the fire station for further information and update from officials.
Community Development City of Johannesburg, Ronald Harris, who represented the mayor of Johannesburg, Mpho Phalatse, arrived to talk to the families.