At least nine babies drown in river baptism in South Africa Despite allegations of money laundering: President of South Africa does not resign

At least nine participants in a baptism ceremony have drowned in a suburb of the South African metropolis of Johannesburg. A sudden flash flood and strong current affected 33 people who had gathered on Saturday at Bramley Park on the banks of the Jukskei River, a spokesman for rescuers said Sunday. Since then, the bodies of nine baptized children have been recovered and eight more are missing. They will continue to be sought. However, the rescuers assumed that the number of deaths would rise further.

Four people drowned at a baptism in Limpopo province in June. South African authorities do not recommend conducting baptisms in rivers. The spokesman for the rescue services also called on parishes to consider the dangers of storms and flooding when planning their rituals – especially in the current South African summer months. (sda/dpa)