Virginia police open inquest after congregants drown at Tikwe river in Virginia

The Virginia police have registered an inquest for probe after, five congregation members drowned in Tikwe river, Virginia, past weekend on Saturday, June 25.

According to Lejweleputswa police spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng, church members went to perform a ritual, when they drowned in Lejweleputswa’s largest river.

“While they were busy discussing how to conduct their ritual, a 36 year old woman passed the leadership and jumped inside the river.

“The four followed her and tried to rescue her but they could not come out of the river.

“The five congregants including bishops drowned, one of the congregants managed to take out the body of a 36-year- old women who jumped inside the water,” said Thakeng.

Thakeng said the police’s Driving Unit retrieved four bodies from the water and relatives were informed of the tragedy.

The five deceased were identified as bishop Mokete Mojeka aged 41-years-old, bishop Phiriyamajola Leshoro,40, arch bishop Pitso Maphokoane,42, Thato Bandile, 26 and Nomhle Bandile,36,

“We are appealing to leaders of the churches to take precautions during baptism especially in rivers, if people do not know how to swim they must not enter into rivers because they will drown,” cautioned Thakeng.