Mpumalanga – The search for a missing South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member took a grim turn on Monday, 29 December 2025, after human remains were discovered floating in the Komati River near the South Africa–Mozambique border.
According to authorities, the discovery was made after a local fisherman alerted the search team to what appeared to be a body in the river. The remains were later confirmed to be those of an adult male.
“The search team was alerted by a local fisherman who reported seeing remains floating in the river,” a police spokesperson said. “Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the remains are those of a male person.”
The remains were found close to the borderline between Mozambique and South Africa, raising concerns that strong river currents may have carried the body downstream.
Remains, suspected to be that of the missing SANDF member, were found next to the borderline between Mozambique and South Africahttps://t.co/FaiOskO8t0#MissingSoldier #RIP @SAPoliceService @SANDF_ZA pic.twitter.com/qX0PPcPnCe
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 30, 2025
Police said the remains are suspected to be those of the missing SANDF member who had been the subject of an ongoing search operation in the area.
“At this stage, an inquest docket has been opened, and DNA samples will be taken to formally identify the deceased,” the spokesperson said. “We cannot conclusively confirm the identity until forensic processes are completed.”
Following the discovery, the search operation has been temporarily suspended.
“The search has been paused for now and will resume on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, led by the Search and Rescue team,” the spokesperson added.
Investigations are continuing, and authorities have indicated that further details will be released once DNA results are available.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
