The body of a man was retrieved from the Crocodile River near Brits this morning, while police struggled to retrieve another on Tuesday and Wednesday due to strong currents and crocodiles.

“A body was spotted by a drone on Tuesday. It was caught in what we presume is reeds and due to the strong current and crocodiles swarming in the river, police divers were unable to reach it on Tuesday night,” said police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh. The body was finally recovered on Wednesday.

Reports of a possible third body floating down the river were also reported to police this week. Three more bodies, one of which is a 15-year-old child, have been recovered from rivers in the North West.

Emergency services have been on standby following the recent two weeks’ heavy rainfall and urgent warnings are issued to residents close to rivers and dams to stay clear of the flooding rivers and low-water bridges.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said the Hartbeespoort Dam is overflowing and has urged people who live downstream to be cautious as the water levels continue to rise.

The NRSI Hartbeespoort said it has already been called to several cases where vehicles have been washed off low-water bridges. The Hennops and Crocodile Rivers coming into Hartbeespoort are in full flood.

“We urge people to avoid bodies of water during the floods. Avoid low-water bridges, many motorists misjudge the depth of water. Keep close watch over children who live near rivers and dams,” said Arthur Crewe of the NSRI Hartbeespoort.