The body of a 26-year-old man was retrieved from the Thiergaten Farm dam on Wednesday night by the Limpopo police’s search and rescue unit while navigating hippopotamus and crocodile infested waters.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the victim and his colleague were removing illegal fishing nets on Tuesday left behind by poachers who had fled the area after being chased by the farmer.

“The two men removed the nets using a canoe and weren’t wearing life jackets. In the process, a crocodile got caught in the net and managed to pull away and the canoe capsied,” he explained.

The two farm workers fell into the dam and one managed to swim to safety, while the other drowned. The deceased was identified as Guidance Manganye from Giyani.

Mojapelo said a search operation commenced but had to be suspended at night fall. He added that the rescue team had to acquire suitable equipment to repel the hippos before retrieving the body.

“After long and gruelling hours, the body was retrieved from the dam. The team had to negotiate their way, be alert and cautious about the presence of these dangerous animals,” he said.

An inquest docket has been opened and police investigations continue.