Human remains believed to be linked to a missing businessman have been discovered inside a crocodile in the Komati River in the Nkomazi area.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, a multi-disciplinary team comprising the SAPS 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.
“Following a week-long search for the missing businessman, the team identified a crocodile in the river that was suspected to have carried out the attack. The necessary permission was obtained to euthanise the crocodile, and human remains were then found inside its intestine,” said Masondo.
The remains have been retrieved and will undergo DNA testing to confirm whether they belong to the businessman who was reported missing after his Ford Ranger was found trapped on a low-lying bridge in the Komati River.
Authorities believe the discovery may provide critical answers to the circumstances surrounding the man’s disappearance, although confirmation is still pending.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the team for their dedication under dangerous conditions.
“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.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials await DNA results to positively identify the remains.
