Five men drowned and two were washed out to sea during a baptism on Durban’s Suncoast beach in the early hours of Sunday, police said.
Captain Gugu Sabela said the men from a congregation in Inanda were taking part in a baptism ceremony just after midnight when the tragedy happened.
The KwaZulu-Natal African National Congress on Sunday sent its condolences to the New Corinthians ZCC and the family of those who drowned.
”The ANC regards this incident as a horrific tragedy that has hit the religious community in the province.
”We call for special prayers today in various church services as a sign of mourning and showing solidarity to the New Corinthians ZCC,” said provincial spokesperson Mtholephi Mthimkhulu in a statement. — Sapa