Authorities in South Africa have recovered partial human remains from inside a large crocodile in the Komati River near Komatipoort in a case connected to a missing 59-year-old businessman from Gauteng.
According to reports, the man disappeared after his vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded bridge during heavy rains.
Search teams comprising officers from the South African Police Service and South African National Parks tracked a massive crocodile measuring approximately 4.5 metres and weighing about 500 kilograms after noticing the reptile had remained unusually stationary in one section of the river for several days.
Authorities later euthanised the crocodile before carrying out a high-risk recovery operation.
During the operation, an officer was reportedly lowered from a helicopter to secure the carcass before it was airlifted from the river area for examination.
A post-mortem examination conducted on the reptile later revealed human remains and clothing believed to belong to the missing businessman.
Officials say DNA testing is currently underway to formally confirm the identity of the remains.
An inquest has since been opened as investigators work to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
