Authorities believe the remains found in the animal's intestines belong to a 59-year-old businessman who went missing in the area
Credit: South African Police Service
NEED TO KNOW
- A police captain retrieved a crocodile containing human remains in a daring helicopter operation
- Police believe the remains may belong to a 59-year-old businessman who went missing in the area after he was swept away by floodwaters days earlier
- DNA analysis will confirm the identity
In the search for a businessman swept away by floodwaters, a police captain retrieved a crocodile containing human remains — which authorities believe belong to the missing man.
Captain Johan "Pottie" Potgieter carried out the “highly dangerous and complex operation” at the Komati River in South Africa, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a news release obtained by PEOPLE on Sunday, May 3. He was lowered by rope from a helicopter to secure and retrieve the animal suspected of consuming the remains of a missing person — a feat that was captured in footage shared by police.
Potgieter “was hoisted from a SANPARKS helicopter into a crocodile-infested river, where he courageously secured a crocodile using a rope under extremely dangerous conditions,” SAPS said alongside footage of the crocodile being lifted from the water.
SAPS said that the crocodile Potgieter retrieved from the Komati River was dead at the time of the operation. The reptile had been euthanized, “enabling the police and other experts to recover the remains of a suspected missing person,” police said.
But how could police tell that the crocodile that was euthanized contained human remains? According to the BBC, Potgieter told South African outlet News24 that authorities observed signs that the animal had recently eaten, and cited years of experience.
"Besides having a massively full tummy,” the police captain told the outlet, the crocodile “didn't move around or try to slip into the river despite the noise of the drones and the chopper.”
The helicopter operation came after a weeklong search for a missing businessman, South African newspaper The Citizen reported, citing SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo.
Police suspect that the remains may belong to the 59-year-old businessman, who was reported missing on Tuesday, April 28, Masondo told SABC News. He is suspected to have been washed away from his vehicle amid flooding, according to the SAPS spokesperson.
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SAPS believes the remains belong to the businessman because he was the only person reported missing in the area, Masondo told SABC News. He also confirmed that the family has been notified about the crocodile operation.
After the 15-ft. crocodile — which weighed more than 1,100 lbs. — was secured, it was flown to Kruger National Park, where authorities found human remains in its intestines, according to the BBC. The DNA of the retrieved remains will now be analyzed to confirm the identity, SAPS said.
Credit: getty
As for when the remains will be identified, a SAPS spokesperson could not confirm a timeline to PEOPLE on May 3.
Lt. Gen. Puleng Dimpane, who is currently the acting national SAPS commissioner, commended Potgieter for his “extraordinary bravery and selflessness” in a statement.
"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.
A SAPS statement shared with PEOPLE further recognized the police captain for his actions.
“SAPS salutes Captain Potgieter for his heroism, bravery, professionalism, and dedication,” the statement read. “His actions are a reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated daily by members of the South African Police Service.”
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