Police in South Africa recovered human remains from the Komati River in the north-east of the country on May 5, during a search for a businessman who went missing after his car became stranded in floodwater last week [1]. The man had been swept away while attempting to cross a low bridge during heavy flooding, and his empty vehicle was found at the scene [1].
Authorities used drones and helicopters during the search and observed a small island where several crocodiles were basking in the sun [1]. A large crocodile measuring 4.5 metres (15 feet) long and weighing 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) was suspected of having consumed the missing man. This crocodile had been killed prior to the recovery operation to allow access to the remains inside it [1]. Captain Johan "Pottie" Potgieter took part in the operation and was lowered from a helicopter into the crocodile-infested river to assist in recovery [1].
Captain Potgieter described how the crocodile showed no signs of distress despite nearby drone and helicopter noise, saying, "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." He added, "A crocodile will eat or swallow anything."
Police found six types of shoe during the search and were conducting DNA tests to confirm whether the recovered remains belonged to the missing businessman [1]. South Africa's acting police chief praised Captain Potgieter for his bravery during the risky operation [1].