Human remains believed to be those of a missing 59-year-old Gauteng businessman were recovered from inside a crocodile in the Komati River near Komatipoort. Image: Supplied
A SAPS captain was hoisted from a helicopter into a crocodile-infested river to secure the euthanised animal in one of the most dangerous recovery operations in recent memory. The remains are believed to be those of a 59-year-old Gauteng businessman missing since his Ford Ranger was found trapped on a flooded bridge.
Human body parts believed to be those of a missing 59-year-old Gauteng businessman have been recovered from inside a crocodile in the Komati River near Komatipoort, Mpumalanga. DNA analysis has been ordered to confirm the identity of the deceased. The South African Police Service has praised the extraordinary bravery of the officer who risked his life to make the recovery possible.
How the Businessman Went Missing
The 59-year-old Gauteng businessman, whose identity has not been publicly released at the time of publication, was reported missing after his Ford Ranger was found trapped on a low-lying bridge over the Komati River in Komatipoort. It is believed his vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded bridge. The vehicle was recovered on Tuesday. A week-long search for the businessman followed, involving multiple agencies and search teams combing the river and its surrounds.
The Discovery
On Saturday 3 May 2026, a joint operation involving the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, NatJoints, SANParks, Emergency Medical Services, Securecon and the Port Management Committee made a grim discovery. A crocodile in the river was identified as suspected to have been involved in an attack on the missing businessman. The necessary permissions were obtained to euthanise the animal.
Upon examination of the crocodile’s intestines, human body parts were recovered. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that DNA tests would be conducted to establish whether the remains belong to the missing businessman.
“Following a week-long search for the missing businessman, the team identified a crocodile in the river suspected to have carried out the attack. The necessary permission was obtained to euthanise the crocodile. It is then that the human remains were found and retrieved,” Masondo said.
Police also noted that there is evidence to suggest more people may have fallen victim to the same crocodile.
A Captain’s Extraordinary Bravery
The recovery operation required an act of extraordinary courage from SAPS Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Potgieter was hoisted from a SANParks helicopter into the crocodile-infested Komati River, where he secured the already euthanised crocodile using a rope under extremely dangerous conditions. The animal was then safely lifted and relocated, enabling police and other experts to recover the remains.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised Potgieter’s courage in the highest terms.
“Captain Potgieter’s willingness to place his own life at risk, going far beyond the call of duty, reflects the unwavering commitment of SAPS members to serve and protect, even in the face of danger that could have cost him his life,” Dimpane said.
The SAPS saluted Potgieter for his heroism, bravery, professionalism and dedication, describing his actions as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated daily by members of the service.
A Dangerous Bridge With a Deadly History
The incident is not the first of its kind at the Komati River. This is the second such tragedy at the same location in less than six months. In December 2025, two soldiers were swept away while attempting to cross the same low-lying bridge. The body of the first soldier was recovered shortly after the incident, while partial human remains believed to be those of the second soldier were found six days later.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety and Security Jackie Macie has issued an urgent warning to members of the public following the latest incident.
“They must not even try to cross where there is water. We know that for them it is convenient to move, particularly on the side of the border post to the town in Komatipoort. It makes their work very easy, their movement very easy. So we call upon all of them to say they must be cautioned make sure that they stay away from the bridge and use the N4 Road so that all of us will be safe,” Macie said.
DNA Results Awaited
Mpumalanga police are currently awaiting the results of DNA testing to formally confirm whether the remains recovered from the crocodile belong to the missing 59-year-old Gauteng businessman. Mzansi Today Live will update this article when the results are confirmed.
Editors Note The identity of the missing businessman has not been officially confirmed at the time of publication pending DNA analysis and notification of next of kin. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.