Third body found after nine-day Crocodile River search near Kamagugu

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has recovered a third body from the Crocodile River near Kamagugu after a nine-day search following a vehicle accident on 7 June.

Search operation and recovery

Authorities launched a coordinated search and recovery operation after members of the public alerted them to an incident on Sunday, 7 June, when a vehicle reportedly plunged into the Crocodile River near Kamagugu, outside Mbombela.

On the day of the accident, search teams recovered the bodies of Vigo Godfrey (20) and Tintswalo Khoza (20), along with a white Haval SUV.

Third body recovered

On Tuesday, 16 June, the operation reached a breakthrough when a third body, believed to be that of Zenande Chiloane (21), was recovered. The body was found about three kilometres from where the vehicle and the first two victims were recovered.

Teams involved and conditions

The nine-day operation involved the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, the K9 Unit and the Illicit Mining Team, as well as the Mbombela Municipality, the Provincial Community Work Programme, the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services, church ministries, private rescue organisations and community volunteers.

Search teams continued efforts despite difficult conditions and the presence of crocodiles and hippos in the river.

Official response and investigation

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the emergency personnel, government departments and community volunteers involved in the search and recovery operation, and extended condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

Police said the investigation into a culpable homicide case linked to the incident remains ongoing.