By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Zikhona Renqea (24), a South African national who resides at 20th Selbourne, has lost her mother (51) and three-year-old son.
Her three-month old baby is still missing.
EMS spokesman Robert Mulaudzi stated that the 15th body was found near Inner’s Free Park.
He said the baby search continued this afternoon.
15 members of the Masowe church under Kind Kupe, a Zimbabwean national, drowned after being swept away by a strong current during a baptism ceremony at Bramley Park, Johannesburg.
The prophet, commonly called “Mvundla”, was last seen on Saturday following the tragic accident.
The prophet is said to have sent a voice to his followers, apologizing for the tragedy before he allegedly vanished.
” He might have run away as he is still shocked. He might still be afraid and confused about what happened,” Mulaudzi told Alex Reporter.
It is believed 33 people members of his church were in the river performing baptism ritual when the heavy floods emerged. .
City of Joburg Speaker, Cllr Colleen Makhubele’s words were touching while she prayed for Zikhona.
Makhubele said that no one knew about the pain of Marry (the mother of Jesus) when she saw Jesu’s death.
” It was only God who could interpret it,” she said.
She said losing someone can change an individual.
” You get to a point where you can’t even feel anything, you are just numb because you can’t feel anything. You can’t even cry anymore.
” That’s why it’s important as women to continue to pray for her. We want her to return to herself.”
As she prayed, the emotional speaker said: ” Let the presence of the Holy Spirit be with you now. And we bind every spirit of suicide, spirit of death, of depression and of despair – we bind it in the name of Jesus.
” We are asking God that your life will become light and testimony. Your strength will speak to the community. You will become a pillar of the community and you will live in Jesus’ name.”
While pleadging people around to help the bereaved family during this difficult time, the ward 116 Councillor, Adolf Marema asked that Zikhona be released so that she would go to the hospital.
Zikhona had sustained serious injuries while fighting against the heavy waters.
” She needs to go to hospital. She hadn’t had time to eat since Saturday. She hadn’t had time to actually be herself.
” She is going through a lot as we speak. And over and above, her boyfriend is busy harassing her, saying she killed the baby,” said Marema.
President of Alex Parliament, Vincent Ndima said the tragedy was not only for the families, but for the entire community of Alex.
Ndima said it was heartbreaking that families lost loved ones like that.
” it’s unfortunately that the family that we were at , their three-month-old infant is still missing.
” let’s put everything into God,”he said.
The Masowe church, although not a single institution, is characterised by white garments for both men and women worshippers, often seen congregating in bushes and open spaces.
Popular in Zimbabwe, the church is also very common throughout South Africa, with many residents who also attend prayer meetings and intercessions.
All pics by Mashamba Media.