The police-led operation to search for the remains of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier who went missing in the Komati River in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, has been officially called off on the sixth day of the search.
The 33-year-old soldier and his 39-year-old colleague were swept away by the fast-flowing, crocodile-infested river on Christmas Day while attempting to cross a low-lying bridge en route to the Lebombo Border Post.
The incident occurred during heightened river conditions following heavy rains.
DNA testing
The body of the older soldier was recovered a day after the incident.
Two days ago, some remains believed to belong to the missing soldier were discovered along the border between South Africa and Mozambique.
Those remains have since been taken to Tonga Hospital, where forensic processes, including DNA testing, are under way to confirm the identity.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said extensive efforts had been made to locate any additional remains, but the operation had reached its conclusion.
‘Eaten by crocodiles’
“We have tried all our resources in trying to find the other body parts; however, it seems as if there is nothing more that we could find. There are possibilities that he could have been eaten by crocodiles. We want to thank everyone who participated in this operation,” Mdhluli said.
Authorities have expressed condolences to the families of the SANDF soldiers, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
