Nine people drowned during a baptism ceremony at Jukskei River, Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday night, according to local emergency authorities.

The victims reportedly have been swept away in flash flooding due to heavy rain.

"There was a group of 33 congregants conducting church rituals. Two people were swept away and confirmed dead on the scene. We continued the search this morning and have recovered seven other bodies," said Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services.

(With input from AFP)