Joburg residents urged not to perform baptisms and cleansing rituals in river streams due to heavy rain

JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg residents have been urged not to perform baptisms and cleansing rituals at river streams due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.

The city has been experiencing nearly a week of continuous rain, leading to strong river currents.

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People have died over the years in the popular Jukskei River while participating in religious practices.

"Due to disruptive rainfall which we have been receiving in the last five days, most of our river streams are full," said Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi.  

"Residents who normally conduct baptism and cleansing rituals are urged to stay away from river streams."

Meanwhile, Mulaudzi said Johannesburg EMS teams are on high alert as heavy downpours continue.  

"From our side as City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, we are still on high alert and monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergencies which might occur."