Human remains believed to be missing soldier found near Mozambique border
A fisherman discovered human remains in the Nkomazi River believed to be those of a SANDF soldier swept away by floodwaters during a patrol on Christmas Day.
Human remains believed to belong to a missing South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member were found today, December 29.
According to the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the remains were discovered by a local fisherman in the ‘no man’s land’ section of the Nkomazi River between South Africa and Mozambique.
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The discovery comes four days after two SANDF soldiers were swept away by raging floodwaters on Christmas Day while attempting to cross a low-lying bridge during a routine Operation Corona patrol.
One soldier’s body was recovered on Friday, December 26.
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The fisherman noticed what appeared to be human remains floating in a remote part of the river. Upon inspection by authorities, it was confirmed that only a human head had been recovered thus far.
The SAPS Search and Rescue team, including the diving unit, was immediately dispatched to the area.
The head was found on the riverbank, not far from where the patrol vehicle was found. Authorities believe the remains may have been scavenged by crocodiles, as no other body parts were found.
