Police in South Africa have recovered human remains from a large crocodile during a high-risk recovery operation in the Komati River, north-east of the country, following the disappearance of a businessman swept away by floodwaters last week.
The operation involved a police officer being lowered from a helicopter into crocodile-infested waters to secure the animal suspected of having consumed the missing man. The reptile had already been killed before the recovery mission was carried out.
Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter, commander of a police diving unit, described the mission as extremely dangerous, noting the risks of working in close proximity to such a large predator.
“The sharp-end of a crocodile is not the best place to approach it,” he said.
The search began after the businessman’s vehicle became stranded while attempting to cross a low bridge in the flooded river. By the time emergency teams arrived, the vehicle was empty, raising fears that he had been swept away.
Search teams deployed drones and helicopters and later identified a small island where several crocodiles were observed basking. Potgieter said one animal appeared unusually inactive and had a distended stomach, suggesting recent feeding.
Following the assessment, the crocodile—measuring about 4.5 metres and weighing approximately 500 kilograms—was killed before being airlifted to nearby Kruger National Park for examination.
Inside its intestines, investigators discovered human remains, which have since been sent for DNA testing to confirm the identity of the victim. Authorities also reported the discovery of multiple shoes, though they cautioned that this does not necessarily indicate multiple victims.
Police said crocodiles are opportunistic feeders and may consume a wide range of objects.
South Africa’s acting police chief, Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane, praised the operation and commended Potgieter for his bravery during the recovery effort.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the man’s disappearance and death.
