By Staff Reporter
THOHOYANDOU-A well-known Bishop identified as Collen Mufadi drowned during a baptism, leading to the death of the 38-year-old cleric.
The leader of Redemption Apostolic Church at Gogobole in Louis Trichardt Under Vhembe Municipality and one of his church members drowned while he was baptising new members at the Phiphidi Dam on Thursday, the other drowning victim was identified as Rihone Tshivhombela (22).
According to a police spokesperson, Col Mamphaswa Seabi, the incident occurred when three of the church members (including Mufamadi and Tshivhombela) fell into the dam during the baptising ceremony. Reportedly drowned while busy conducting a baptismal ritual at the dam when they fell into the water. One of them managed to swim out, but the other two were overpowered by the water. Their bodies were later retrieved by police search and rescue divers.”
Two inquests have been opened, and police investigations are continuing. Seabi warned communities not to venture into rivers or dams for swimming and baptism without checking the depth of the water first. He further warned communities that crocodiles are found in all the rivers.
Mufamadi’s brother, Mr Calvin Mufamadi, said the family members were deeply saddened by this tragic turn of events. “Our brother was a very religious person who had strict rules. He would never hurt a fly, and he taught us not to bear grudges against others.
Collen was the apple of my eye. He always respected everybody, and he was beloved in the community,” he said, unable to contain the tears streaming down his cheeks.
“Life will never be the same without him. I am out of my mind. I do not question God’s will, but it is still hard to accept this. We find solace in the fact that he died while busy with the work of the Lord,” he said
