Hanging from a single rope with a crocodile suspended below him, Captain Pottie Potgieter of the Ehlanzeni Diving Unit made international headlines last weekend during a high-risk aerial operation on the Komati River.

According to Lowvelder, the unit had been called to assist in the search for a missing 59-year-old man, later identified as Gabriel Batista. His Ford Ranger was found partially swept off a low-water bridge, but there was no sign of him.

Batista is the owner of the Border Country Inn near the Lebombo Border Post. His disappearance immediately rang alarm bells since he went missing at the same spot where two SANDF soldiers were reported missing and later found deceased in December. The diving unit attended to the search with extreme urgency.

Crocodile drew suspicion

Potgieter said the team suspected the man had drowned and may have been taken by a crocodile. With assistance from helicopters operated by SANParks and Securicon, as well as drone technology, search teams monitored crocodile activity in the area.

“There was one crocodile that stood out. It didn’t move much, even when helicopters flew close to it,” he said.

Drawing on years of experience and research, Potgieter explained that crocodiles often lie still in the sun while digesting food. A decision was made to legally euthanise the animal and conduct a forensic necropsy.

In a carefully co-ordinated operation on Saturday, Potgieter was airlifted by a SANParks helicopter and lowered by rope to the crocodile after it had been shot.

“Many things could have gone wrong. I was hanging from a harness attached to a single rope. It was nerve-racking being dropped next to the crocodile’s head,” he said.

He then had to secure the animal.

“I pushed a rope under its body and pulled it through on the other side. It was an eerie feeling,” he admitted.

Once secured, both Potgieter and the crocodile, which weighed more than 500kg, were airlifted to a remote location.

“The wind from the helicopter and the crocodile swifting side to side made me feel queasy,” he added.

Human remains discovered

After landing, the crocodile was examined. Potgieter’s wife, Joey, who is also a captain in the diving unit and has extensive experience in necropsy procedures, conducted the examination and found human remains inside the animal.

The remains have been sent for DNA testing to determine whether they belong to Batista.

“In all my years, this was the first time we found shoes inside a crocodile,” Pottie said, adding that multiple shoes were recovered.

He noted that crocodiles may ingest objects found in the water or from previous incidents.

Pottie’s actions have drawn praise. Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended his bravery and dedication, saying it reflects the highest standards of service.

Pottie’s heroic act has also caught the attention of many news publications worldwide. His crocodile recovery was reported on the BBC, CNN, New York Post, The Times and across many national publications. Headlines included “Croc victim’s remains recovered after 15-foot animal is caught and airlifted from river” and “Police officer lowered into crocodile-infested river to recover human remains.”

Career dedicated to service

Pottie has been a police diver for 18 years, during which he has helped rescue countless people and recover many bodies. His selfless portrayal is just one of many times he has put his life on the line for others.

In an exclusive interview with Lowvelder, he reflected on the many highs and lows of his career.

“I remember we had to dive on a sewage farm, which was very unpleasant. My wife also had to dive down a long drop once to recover an infant’s body,” he added.

The crocodile recovery, however, marks the biggest highlight of his career.

“I’ve never done anything like this in my life and it will live on with me and the team for the rest of our lives.”

He admitted that the job is not for everyone.

“You have to be able to stomach some of the scenes you are exposed to.”

He was initially drawn to the profession after recognising the need for specialised divers within the police force.

“I enjoy working closely with eyewitnesses and families during searches,” he said.

Over the years, his ability to speak English, Afrikaans and SiSwati has helped him bridge language barriers and support communities during difficult times.

‘Sbali’ to the community

Pottie met his wife through the diving unit, and together they have three children. He joked that he sometimes enjoys letting Joey dive while he is behind the camera. His work has brought closure to many families and continues to inspire communities across the Lowveld.

Late president Nelson Mandela once said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

Locals were especially proud when Pottie reported on the story in SiSwati, which they said reflected ubuntu and his effort to communicate in their language.

Sbali, a term of respect used for a brother-in-law and similar in meaning to the Afrikaans word swarrie, is how the community has come to know Captain Pottie Potgieter.

During his interview with Mweli Deejay Masilela, his fluent SiSwati drew praise and affection, with many listeners referring to him as Sbali.

This nickname reflects not only admiration but also a deep sense of kinship — he is seen as family by the community he serves.

Watch as he speaks SiSwati:

Potgieter did a video interview with Lowvelder, where he reflected on his 18 years in the police service as commander of the diving unit. He also shared more details about the daring search.

Watch the full interview in Afrikaans here: