Human body parts believed to be of the 59-year-old Gauteng businessman who went missing in the Komati River found inside a crocodile. Image: Supplied.
Mpumalanga
1Min
South Africa
Suspected human remains found inside crocodile in Komati River
Human remains discovered inside a crocodile in the Komati River near Komatipoort are suspected to be those of a 59-year-old businessman who was recently reported missing.
Human remains discovered inside a crocodile in the Komati River near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga are suspected to be those of a 59-year-old businessman who was recently reported missing.
A multi-disciplinary team comprising the South African Police Service Search and Rescue Unit, NatJoint, SanParks, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Securecon, and the Port Management Committee made the discovery after an intensive week-long search operation.
The businessman went missing after his Ford Ranger was found trapped at a low-lying bridge in the Komati River. During the search, authorities identified a crocodile believed to have been involved in the suspected attack.
After obtaining the necessary permissions, the crocodile was euthanized. It was during this process that human remains were found inside the animal’s intestines and subsequently retrieved.
Authorities have confirmed that DNA testing will be conducted to determine whether the remains belong to the missing businessman.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the teams involved for their dedication and bravery.
“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 a dangerous situation,” said Mkhwanazi.
Police investigations are ongoing.
