Police in South Africa recovered human remains after a high-risk operation involving a crocodile suspected of eating a missing businessman swept away by floodwaters. The incident took place near the Komati River in the country’s north-east, where heavy rains caused dangerous flooding last week. Authorities said the man’s vehicle became stranded while attempting to cross a low bridge. By the time officers arrived, the car stood empty. This led police to believe the man had been swept away. Read More: Swimmer Survives 34-Mile Crocodile River Challenge in Record Time Colonel Mavela Masondo told South African Broadcasting Corporation that officers launched an extensive search using helicopters and drones. Helicopter operation targets suspected crocodile During the aerial search, officers spotted a small island where several crocodiles lay in the sun. Captain Johan Potgieter said his team quickly identified one reptile that appeared unusual. “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 told News24. Based on years of experience, officers suspected the crocodile had recently eaten. The team then killed the animal before launching what police described as a “highly dangerous and complex operation.” Potgieter said the mission involved lowering him from a helicopter directly into the crocodile-infested waters. “The sharp-end of a crocodile is not the best place to approach it,” he said. Read More: Pet Chickens in Prams Inside China’s Unusual Urban Trend He secured the animal with a rope before the crew hoisted both him and the crocodile out of the river. Remains found inside crocodile at Kruger Park The crocodile measured about 4.5 metres and weighed nearly 500 kilograms. Authorities transported it to Kruger National Park for further examination. Officials later discovered human remains inside the reptile’s intestines. Forensic teams have begun DNA testing to confirm whether the remains belong to the missing businessman. Potgieter said investigators also found six different types of shoes inside the animal. He noted this could suggest other attacks but did not confirm it. “A crocodile will eat or swallow anything,” he said. South Africa’s acting police chief Puleng Dimpane praised the operation. She commended Potgieter for his bravery during the risky recovery mission. Flood risks and wildlife dangers remain high Flooding in parts of Mpumalanga often increases encounters between humans and wildlife. Experts say crocodiles in southern Africa frequently inhabit rivers that swell rapidly during heavy rains. Read More: Dog Chews Battery, Nearly Burns Down Family Home According to conservation groups, Nile crocodiles can grow over five metres and are among the most dangerous predators in African waterways. They often attack when prey enters their territory during floods. Authorities continue to warn residents against crossing flooded bridges and rivers. Search teams remain alert as seasonal rains raise water levels across the region. The case highlights the deadly mix of extreme weather and wildlife risk, which continues to threaten communities in vulnerable areas.