South African Officer Recovers Remains from Crocodile After Komati River Flooding
A South African police officer was lowered from a helicopter into the crocodile-infested Komati River to recover human remains suspected to be those of a businessman swept away by floodwaters last week. Captain Johan "Pottie" Potgieter, commander of a police diving unit, described the experience as "nerve-wracking" despite the suspected crocodile having already been killed.
The operation, labelled "highly dangerous and complex" by police, saw Potgieter secure the 4.5m (15 ft), 500kgm (1,100 lb) crocodile before both were hoisted from the river. DNA tests are pending to confirm if the remains belong to the missing man.
The businessman's vehicle became stranded while crossing a low bridge in the flooded river. Police found the car empty, leading to suspicions he had been swept away. Drones and helicopters were deployed in the search, with officers identifying a group of crocodiles, one of which appeared to have recently fed.
"Besides having a massively full tummy, he didn't move around or try to slip into the river despite the noise of the drones and the chopper," Potgieter told News24. The reptile was subsequently killed, then flown to Kruger National Park, where human remains were discovered internally. Six different types of shoe were also found, which Potgieter noted could indicate other victims, though he clarified, "A crocodile will eat or swallow anything." Acting police chief Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane commended Potgieter's bravery.