Komatipoort – Human remains believed to be linked to a missing businessman were recovered from a crocodile in the Komati River in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, following an intensive multi-agency search operation.
The discovery was made by a joint team comprising the South African Police Service (SAPS) Search and Rescue Unit, NatJoint, SANParks, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Securecon, and the Port Management Committee after a week-long search effort.
Authorities said the remains were found inside the intestine of a crocodile identified during the search as a possible cause of the man’s disappearance.
The businessman had been reported missing after his Ford Ranger was discovered trapped at a low-lying bridge in the Komati River.
Human remains inside found the intestine of a crocodile in the Komati River, in Komatipoort.https://t.co/5UWuCVOnDS#ArriveAlive #Flooding @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/WARb7Q9WZk
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 3, 2026
Officials confirmed that the necessary permissions were obtained to euthanise the crocodile, leading to the recovery of the remains. DNA testing will now be conducted to determine whether they belong to the missing individual.
Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the efforts of the search teams, highlighting the challenging and dangerous conditions under which they operated.
“I give honour to the dedicated team that has put their lives in danger to find the missing person. I know it was not easy, but they did not give up, even when they were faced with dangerous situations,” said Mkhwanazi.
Police investigations are ongoing, pending the outcome of forensic analysis.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
