Commotion As Mother And Her Three Children Drown Inside A Dam During Cleansing Ritual

A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Delfie Quarry Dam in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, as a family of four drowned while carrying out a traditional cleansing ritual.

The victims, identified as a 51-year-old mother, her 36-year-old daughter, and two sons in their 20s, were swept away in the water.

According to eyewitnesses, a seven-year-old daughter who was present at the scene but did not participate in the ritual witnessed the tragic moment her family members disappeared beneath the water. 

According to Tzaneenvoice, she ran home to alert others, and emergency services were quickly called to the scene.

Upon arrival, the bodies of the mother and daughter were already floating on the surface, but the search for the two sons had to be postponed until the following morning due to the dam's depth. 

Police divers returned on Monday morning and managed to retrieve the remaining bodies after a 40-minute dive.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the incident, saying, "Police divers returned on Monday morning and managed to retrieve the remaining bodies after a 40-minute dive." 

Authorities from Boschkop police station have opened an inquest docket as investigations continue.

The local community is in shock, with many residents gathering at the dam to pay their respects and call for greater awareness around safety during traditional practices. 

Counselling services have been arranged for the surviving child, who is currently in the care of relatives.