Prophet’s body found surrounded by crocodiles in the Oliphant’s River
ATOK – A 48 year-old prophet from Atok Village within the Apel policing area drowned at the Oliphant’s River, Lepelle, during spiritual prayer activities on Sunday, 21 January midday.
Three prophets are said to have went to the river for the prayer session and whilst conducting their prayers, one of them suddenly experienced difficulties, tragically drowning in the crocodile-infested river.
The other two prophets attempted to search for him but were unsuccessful. They subsequently alerted the police who notified members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Water Wing, Search and Rescue units and Emergency Medical Services to commence search operations.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, said on Tuesday, 23 January at about 15:00, human remains belonging to the deceased were discovered surrounded by crocodiles. Ledwaba indicated that the search teams successfully recovered the body. “It is suspected that he was attacked by crocodiles during the baptism ceremony,” added Ledwaba.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Services in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers described the incident as very unfortunate and avoidable had necessary precautions been taken into consideration.
General Scheepers reiterated that communities should exercise great caution during rainy seasons and be mindful not to put their own lives at risk by entering rivers, dams or streams without first considering possible dangers posed by wild animals.
He further made a clarion call to residents to refrain from endangering their lives by engaging in unsafe activities such as swimming or spiritual practices in hazardous rivers, dams or water streams.
