The grisly discovery followed a search for a missing businessman whose car was left near a river, according to police<\/p>\n
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Human remains have been found inside a crocodile in South Africa\u2019s Komati River during a search for a missing businessman, local police have said.
\nThe discovery followed a days-long search operation near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga province, police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said on Sunday, describing the case as a suspected fatal crocodile attack. DNA tests will be conducted to confirm whether the remains belong to the missing man.<\/p>\n
Authorities said the possible victim, a businessman from Gauteng, had been reported missing after his vehicle was found partially submerged on a low-lying bridge along the Komati River, an area known for strong currents and wildlife. Search teams intensified efforts amid difficult conditions following heavy rains that had caused flooding in the region.<\/p>\n
\u00a9 Telegram\/rian_ru<\/p>\n
The operation involved police divers, emergency responders and local authorities, who combed the river and surrounding areas.
\nCaptain Pottie Potgieter of the Ehlanzeni Diving Unit said the team had monitored reptiles for several days before identifying a crocodile believed to be linked to the disappearance.<\/p>\n
Another Arial view. pic.twitter.com\/YE97p1GbZt\u2014 The King of Trolls (@StHonorable) May 3, 2026 <\/p>\n
\u201cThey spotted the crocodiles at the same place now for the past four days,\u201d Potgieter said. \u201cWith our experience and with the training we\u2019ve had, we identified a crocodile there that we basically were 100% sure that had eaten the man that we are looking for.\u201d
\nThe crocodile, weighing about 500 kg, was airlifted from the river by police and flown to Kruger National Park, where a field necropsy confirmed it contained human remains.<\/p>\n
GRAPHIC WARNING | Mpumalanga police say a crocodile they put down had human remains, believed to be those of a 59-year-old Gauteng businessman who went missing in the Komati River. Police add there is evidence to suggest more people may have fallen victim to the reptile. pic.twitter.com\/kQpk6yoQW1\u2014 SABC News (@SABCNews) May 2, 2026 <\/p>\n
Investigators with forensic teams are now working to establish the identity through DNA analysis. Police said the results would be critical in confirming whether the remains are those of the missing businessman. Authorities have not released the name of the victim, and no official identification has yet been made.
\nThe incident is the second reported on the Komati River in nearly six months. In December, two soldiers were swept away while attempting to cross the same bridge. The body of one soldier was recovered shortly after, while partial remains believed to be those of the second were found six days later.
\nThe Komati River, which runs along the border with Mozambique, is home to a significant population of crocodiles and has previously posed risks to residents and travelers, particularly during periods of high water levels and flooding.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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