A police Captain’s bravery has been applauded after he was involved in a highly dangerous and complex operation along the Komati River over the weekend, in which he hoisted a massive crocodile by helicopter.
This amid the search for the missing businessman, the 59-year-old Gabriel Batista, who is believed to have drowned after his vehicle was swept off a low-water bridge during flooding last Monday.
In a tense aerial operation on Saturday, a crocodile suspected of having consumed human remains was identified from above, just metres from where Batista’s bakkie was last seen.
Authorities obtained permission to euthanise the animal, which was shot from a helicopter hovering over the river.
Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter was strapped into a harness and lowered from the helicopter into crocodile-infested waters below.
Battling strong winds and the risk of equipment failure, he secured the roughly 600kg reptile with a rope while suspended mid-air.
“There are so many things that can go wrong,” Potgieter said, describing to the Ryan O’Connor Breakfast Show how he was lowered close to the animal’s head, unsure if it was fully dead.
Two other crocodiles were nearby but swam off as he worked.
The crocodile was then hoisted from the river and taken to nearby Kruger National Park, where a forensic examination, conducted by Potgieter’s wide, Captain Joey Potgieter, revealed human remains inside its intestines.
Police say the remains, including limbs and internal organs, are believed to be those of Batista, although DNA testing is still underway to confirm the identity.
Officials say the discovery may finally bring closure to the family, who had been at the scene throughout the search.
The SAPS has praised Potgieter’s bravery, calling his actions a powerful example of dedication and courage under extreme conditions.
Potgieter says he is motivated to bring closure to families who have lost their loved ones in the river, which is notorious for its high water levels and crocodile population, leading to multiple search and rescue operations.
