Police officer dangles over crocodile-infested waters in bid to retrieve human remains

A South African police officer descended from a helicopter over crocodile-infested waters to recover a massive reptile believed to have devoured a missing businessman.

Capt Johan "Pottie" Potgieter, who leads a police diving unit, secured the euthanised 15ft crocodile with a rope before both were lifted from the Komati River in the country's north-east.

"The sharp-end of a crocodile is not the best place to approach it," he told the News24 website.

The 1,100lb animal was transported to Kruger National Park, where examination revealed human remains within its intestines.

Police described the mission as "highly dangerous and complex" following the disappearance of a 59-year-old businessman swept away by floodwaters last week.

The unnamed man vanished after attempting to navigate a low bridge over the flooded river in his vehicle.

When officers reached the scene, they found his car abandoned and empty, according to Col Mavela Masondo, the Mpumalanga provincial police spokesman.

Authorities told the national broadcaster SABC they suspected the businessman had been carried away by the powerful currents.

The discovery of the stranded vehicle triggered an extensive search operation across the region.

Capt Potgieter and his team deployed both drones and helicopters to scour the area, eventually spotting a small island where several crocodiles were sunbathing along the riverbank.

Officers identified their target through years of field experience, recognising telltale signs that a particular crocodile had recently consumed a substantial meal.

"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," Capt Potgieter told News24.

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The reptile's unusual stillness amid the commotion of aircraft overhead marked it out from the other basking crocodiles on the island.

Having pinpointed the suspect animal, authorities made the decision to euthanise it before attempting recovery.

Capt Potgieter was then lowered by helicopter into the crocodile-infested waters to secure the carcass, which measured 15ft in length.

The grim examination at Kruger National Park uncovered not only human body parts but also six different varieties of footwear within the crocodile's digestive system.

Capt Potgieter suggested this discovery could potentially indicate previous victims, though he cautioned against drawing firm conclusions.

"A crocodile will eat or swallow anything," he explained.

DNA testing will now be conducted to establish whether the remains belong to the missing 59-year-old.

Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane, South Africa's acting police chief, commended the officer's courage.

She said: "Capt 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."

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