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The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to all role players who demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience and dedication during the extensive search and recovery operation following a tragic incident in the Crocodile River near Kamagugu, outside Mbombela.
The team is being commended for the sterling efforts and they consists of members from the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, SAPS K9 Unit, SAPS Illicit Mining Team, Mbombela Municipality, the Provincial Community Work Programme (CWP), the Department of Health, Hlubi & Son Academy, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), various Church Ministries, Resq One, Divergent Ops, as well as ordinary volunteers from the community. These community members promptly alerted authorities about the accident, involving a vehicle that reportedly plunged into the said river on 07 June 2026 around 04h00 am.
Following the report, a coordinated search and recovery operation was immediately launched. On the same day, the bodies of two victims, Vigo Godfrey (20) and Tintswalo Khoza (20), together with a white Haval SUV, were successfully recovered from the Crocodile River.
Despite challenging conditions and the ever-present dangers posed by crocodiles and hippos in the river, members of the search teams remained steadfast in their mission to locate the third victim. The efforts took about nine (09) days and their unwavering determination as well as commitment to provide closure to the affected family and loved ones never diminished throughout the operation.
Today, Tuesday, 16 June 2026, the team achieved a significant breakthrough when the third body, believed to be that of Mr Zenande Chiloane (21), was located and recovered from the river.
The body was found approximately three kilometres from the location where the vehicle and the first two victims were recovered on 07 June 2026.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner has praised the stakeholders involved for their remarkable teamwork, professionalism and perseverance throughout the nine-day operation. “The dedication displayed by every individual and organisation involved in this operation is truly commendable. Despite difficult circumstances and considerable risks, the teams remained focused and determined until the third victim was found. Their selfless service reflects the spirit of cooperation and commitment that exists among law enforcement agencies, emergency services, community organisations and members of the public. We are deeply grateful for their efforts and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased,” said the General.
Meanwhile, the investigation into a case of culpable homicide relating to the incident remains ongoing.
INFO SUPPLIED.