NATIONAL NEWS - The search continues for those who were swept away in the Jukskei River in Bramley Park, Sandton, on Saturday evening.
It is believed that 15 people were swept away while conducting a church ritual. Nine bodies have thus far been retrieved, according to City of Johannesburg emergency management spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi.
Mulaudzi yesterday spoke at the Sandton Fire Station and shared details of their search operation. Officials from various emergency entities were notified that a religious group conducting their ceremony near the river were taken away by the currents of a flash flood.
“We came back this morning (December 4) to continue our search for the missing people from Corlett Drive to Grayston Drive,” said Mulaudzi. “In between those areas we can confirm that we have recovered seven bodies. We are working hard to assist all the families affected by this tragedy.”
With the two bodies that were found on Saturday, during the search operation, a total of nine bodies have now been confirmed. According to the spokesperson, the age range of the current victims is from five to 30 years old.
Families of the victims all waited outside the station for further information and updates from officials.
Community development spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, Ronald Harris, who represented Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse, spoke to the affected families.
