Police have recovered human remains believed to be those of a missing 59-year-old Gauteng businessman from a crocodile in the Komati River in Mpumalanga, as Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised the bravery of an officer involved in the operation.
The remains were discovered after the animal was euthanised, and during further examination, partial human remains were found inside its intestines. Authorities confirmed that body parts found inside the animal have been taken for DNA analysis to establish the identity of the deceased.
The businessman had been reported missing after he was swept away while attempting to cross a low-lying bridge over the crocodile-infested river earlier in the week. His vehicle, a Ford Ranger, was recovered from the river the following day at a low-lying bridge.
In a video, Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter can be seen being hoisted from a SANParks helicopter into the river, where he secured the crocodile using a rope under dangerous conditions, enabling the recovery of the remains.
"Captain Potgieter’s willingness to place his own life at risk, going far beyond the call of duty, reflects the unwavering commitment of SAPS members to serve and protect, even in the face of danger that could have cost him his life", said Dimpane.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the developments, saying the recovery forms part of ongoing efforts to locate and identify the missing man.
“The discovery of the remains means that the police have now taken the body parts found in the intestines of the crocodile for DNA analysis to confirm the identity of the deceased,” said Mathe.
Authorities said the operation was conducted along the Komati River, where dangerous conditions and wildlife posed significant risks to search teams.
The Star