WATCH| Missing Gauteng Businessman Case Takes Grim Turn As Remains Found In Crocodile

Human remains have been recovered from a crocodile in the Komati River, with police indicating they could be linked to a missing businessman from Gauteng.

The discovery was made on Saturday near Komatipoort, a small town on South Africa’s eastern border with Mozambique, close to the Kruger National Park.

According to police spokesperson Mavela Masondo, search teams had been combing the area for about a week following the man’s disappearance.

Week-Long Search For Businessman Leads To Grim Discovery

Masondo said the 59-year-old businessman had been reported missing after his Ford Ranger was found stuck at a low-water bridge in the river.

A coordinated search effort involving the South African Police Service Search and Rescue Unit, NatJoints, SANParks, Emergency Medical Services, Securecon and the local port management committee was launched soon after.

During the operation, a crocodile was identified as a possible factor in the incident.

“Following a week-long search for the missing businessman, the team identified a crocodile in the river suspected to have carried out the attack,” Masondo said.

Crocodile Euthanised As Investigators Await DNA Results

Authorities obtained permission to euthanise the animal, after which the remains were discovered.

“The necessary permission was obtained to euthanize the crocodile. It is then that the human remains were found and retrieved,” Masondo confirmed.

DNA testing will now be conducted to establish whether the remains belong to the missing businessman.

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Footage showing the crocodile being lifted from the water by helicopter has since circulated widely on social media.

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Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the teams involved in the search.

“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 situation,” said Mkhwanazi.