The body parts were found inside the animal during a search for a man who was swept away in the Komati River on Saturday (2/5). The Vanderbijlpark businessman, 59, was reported missing after his Ford Ranger was found on a low-water bridge in the Komati River last week.

Two human arms, part of a rib cage, and a piece of chest flesh were found in the stomach of a crocodile. The crocodile was killed, and a necropsy was performed on Saturday afternoon after the carnivorous reptile was suspected to be linked to the disappearance.

A necropsy is performed to determine causes of death, monitor disease, including cattle-wildlife interactions, and investigate wildlife health, according to the University of Pretoria.

The search for the businessman started on Monday, 27 April, when his Ford Ranger got stuck on the flooded Komatipoort low-water bridge near the town’s golf club. It is suspected he was swept away by the floodwater after climbing out of his bakkie and attempting to cross the bridge to the Border Country Inn, which he owned.

“We’ve been working in the Lowveld for a very long time, so we know the mannerisms of the crocodiles by now,” said Capt. Johan Potgieter, who was lowered into the crocodile-infested Komati River ato bring up the dead reptile. 

“We knew that this one was involved because it was only about 150m away from where the person had washed off the bridge, and it stayed there.”

When the helicopter flew over it, it wouldn’t move away, he added. “Whereas when we went further with the smaller ones, as soon as they heard the drones or the helicopter, they would rush into the water.

“And we know now by experience, if they’ve had a big meal, they’re not very active, and they need to lie in the sun for their digestive system to start working. So that’s how we managed to identify this one,” he said.

Acting national police commissioner Lt. Gen. Puleng Dimpane commended Potgieter for his act of bravery. “His 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.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame

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