Police in South Africa have recovered human remains believed to belong to a businessman who was swept away by floodwaters, after a dramatic operation involving an officer being lowered from a helicopter into a crocodile-infested river.
The incident took place in the Komati River in the country’s northeast, where authorities had been searching for the missing man since his vehicle was found abandoned after attempting to cross a flooded low bridge last week.
According to police, the remains were discovered inside a large crocodile suspected of attacking the victim. The animal, measuring around 4.5 metres and weighing roughly 500 kilograms, had been killed prior to the recovery operation.
Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter, head of a police diving unit, described the mission as “highly dangerous and complex,” noting the risks involved in approaching such a large predator.
“The sharp end of a crocodile is not the best place to approach,” he told local media, recounting how he was lowered by rope from a helicopter to secure the animal before both were hoisted out of the river.
Search teams had earlier used drones and aerial surveillance to locate a group of crocodiles gathered on a small island. Potgieter said one reptile stood out due to its unusual behavior and visibly swollen stomach, suggesting it had recently fed.
The crocodile was transported to nearby Kruger National Park, where officials later confirmed the presence of human remains in its digestive system. DNA testing is underway to verify the identity.
Authorities also reported finding multiple items, including six different types of shoes, inside the animal. While this raised concerns, Potgieter cautioned that crocodiles are opportunistic feeders and may ingest a wide range of objects.
South Africa’s acting police chief, Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane, praised the operation and commended officers involved for their bravery.
The search operation had involved both air and ground units amid difficult conditions following heavy flooding in the region.