Two Bodies Recovered From Crocodile River As Search Continues For Possible Third Victim

Police in Mpumalanga have recovered the bodies of two people from the Crocodile River near Kamagugu outside Nelspruit, with concerns growing that a third occupant may still be missing.

The discovery was made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Search and Rescue Team during an operation conducted in the river on Tuesday.

Authorities have confirmed that the recovered victims are a 20-year-old man and a woman believed to be between 18 and 23 years old.

Two Bodies Found In Submerged Vehicle In Crocodile River

The Crocodile River recovery operation led police to a white sport utility vehicle that was found submerged beneath the water.

According to investigators, the two victims were trapped inside the vehicle when rescue teams located it.

Specialised rescue equipment, including the Jaws of Life, was used to gain access to the wreckage and recover the bodies.

Police have since confirmed that the male victim has been positively identified by his family.

The identity of the female victim has not yet been established, although police have traced a family who may be able to assist with identification.

Search May Continue For Missing Third Occupant

The possibility of a third victim emerged shortly after the recovery operation had concluded.

Police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane said another family arrived at the scene while officers were preparing to leave.

The family informed authorities that their son had allegedly been travelling in the same vehicle before it entered the river.

According to the family, he has not returned home and repeated attempts to contact him on his cellphone have been unsuccessful.

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“They believe he may be the third victim still missing in the river,” said Ndubane.

As a result, SAPS Search and Rescue teams may return to the area to continue searching for the missing person.

Police Open Culpable Homicide Investigation

Police have opened a culpable homicide case as investigations into the incident continue.

Authorities are working to establish how the vehicle ended up in the river and what circumstances led to the deaths of the occupants.

Investigators are also focusing on identifying the female victim and determining whether a third person was indeed inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation or help locate the possible third victim to contact authorities.

The investigation remains ongoing.