US EditionSouth African Police Officer Lowered Into Crocodile-Infested River to Recover Human Remains
Police say DNA analysis will confirm whether the recovered remains belong to a 59-year-old Gauteng businessman after a week-long search.
- On Saturday, May 2, 2026, authorities from the South African Police Service recovered human remains from a crocodile in the Komati River, believed to be those of a 59-year-old Gauteng businessman reported missing last month.
- The search began after the businessman's Ford Ranger was discovered trapped on a low-lying bridge in Komatipoort, prompting a week-long operation by the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit and NatJoints.
- Following necessary authorization, the team euthanized the crocodile and retrieved the remains from its intestines, Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo stated.
- Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the multi-disciplinary team for their persistence, while DNA analysis is underway to confirm the victim's identity.
- Authorities continue investigating the full circumstances surrounding the disappearance as the grim discovery has shocked the local community and added a tragic dimension to the case.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Crocodile euthanised after discovery of human remains
Human remains suspected to be those of a missing Gauteng businessman have been recovered from a crocodile in the Komati River near Komatipoort, marking a grim development in a week-long search operation. The search began after the unnamed 59-year-old’s Ford Ranger was discovered trapped on a low-lying bridge in the river, raising concerns over his disappearance. Identified a crocodile According to the South African Police Service, a coordinated …
Human remains found in crocodile suspected to be of missing Gauteng businessman
Human body parts believed to be those of a 59‑year‑old Gauteng businessman missing in the Komati River have been discovered inside a crocodile. The grim discovery was made on Saturday by a joint team comprising the Saps Search and Rescue Unit, NatJoints, SANParks, Emergency Medical Services, Securecon and the Port Management Committee. Missing businessman Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said DNA tests will be conducted to confirm whet…
Crocodile with human remains pulled from river
By Palesa Matlala Police found human remains inside a crocodile taken from the Komati River, with investigators believing the body could be that of a missing businessman. Captain Johan Potgieter risked his safety to remove the animal from dangerous waters, earning praise from Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane. A chilling discovery in Mpumalanga has shocked police and residents after human remains were found inside a crocodile. …
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