CROCODILE LINKED TO THE DEATH OF A BUSINENSSMAN FOUND WITH MULTIPLE SHOES IN ITS STOMACH

A crocodile linked to the death of a Gauteng businessman may also be connected to other potential victims after investigators discovered multiple pairs of shoes in its stomach.

SAPS reported that the animal, found in the Komati River near Komatipoort, contained several items, including footwear, during a multi-agency investigation. Human remains discovered inside the crocodile are believed to belong to a missing 59-year-old Gauteng businessman, who was reported missing after his vehicle became trapped at a low-lying bridge. This triggered a week-long search involving SAPS, emergency medical services, and other authorities.

Speaking to the media, SAPS Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter said the crocodile had been tracked for several days, with EMS spotting it from a helicopter on four consecutive days.

“With our experience and training, we identified a crocodile that we were basically 100% sure had eaten the man we were looking for,” Potgieter said.

He confirmed that the crocodile’s stomach contained about six sets of different Crocs and flip-flops. Potgieter explained that while human tissue digests over time, plastic items like shoes do not, which is why they remained inside the animal.

“I can’t say why those were there or why he ate them, but it shows that these crocodiles are very active in this area,” Potgieter added. He noted that the items may have belonged to previous victims, highlighting the activity and danger posed by crocodiles in the river.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the crocodile may have consumed other people in the area.