Hovering above a river filled with crocodiles is not part of anyone’s standard job description — but for one police captain in South Africa, it became a reality in a mission that has since been described as nothing short of extraordinary.

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Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter has been widely praised after being lowered from a helicopter into crocodile-infested waters to recover human remains during a high-risk search operation.

As reported by BBC News, the dramatic rescue effort took place in the Komati River, where authorities were searching for a 59-year-old businessman who had gone missing after attempting to cross a flooded low bridge. By the time emergency services arrived, his vehicle had been abandoned — and he was nowhere to be found.

Police quickly suspected that powerful floodwaters had swept him into the river, Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo told SABC.

However, the already concerning situation became even more complex.

Using drones and helicopters, officers scanned the area and identified a group of crocodiles gathered near a small island. Among them, one stood out as it wasn’t moving.

“Besides having a massively full tummy, he didn’t move around or try to slip into the river despite the noise of the drones and the chopper,” Potgieter explained to News24.

Based on years of experience, officers believed they had found the animal responsible.

After obtaining permission, the crocodile — measuring around 15 feet in length and weighing approximately 500kg — was euthanised. But retrieving it from the river was another challenge entirely.

That’s where Potgieter stepped in.

In what police described as a “highly dangerous and complex operation”, the captain was suspended from a SANPARKS helicopter and lowered down into the river — directly above the croc’s carcass, and with other crocodiles still lurking below.

Extraordinary footage shows the moment he carefully manoeuvres into position, securing the animal with a rope before both he and the crocodile were hoisted back into the air.

Even with the reptile already dead, the situation remained tense.

“The sharp-end of a crocodile is not the best place to approach it,” Potgieter told News24.

Once safely removed, the crocodile was transported to Kruger National Park, where investigators tragically found human remains inside its intestines.

DNA testing is now underway to determine whether they belong to the missing businessman.

Alongside the remains, officers also found six different types of shoes — a detail that raised further questions about the crocodile’s past.

However, Potgieter urged caution in drawing conclusions, saying: “A crocodile will eat or swallow anything.”

The scale and danger of the operation have drawn widespread recognition, with senior officials commending the captain’s actions. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, praised Potgieter’s conduct in strong terms.

“Captain Potgieter’s willingness to place his own life at risk, going far beyond the call of duty, reflects the unwavering commitment of SAPS members to serve and protect, even in the face of danger that could have cost him his life. SAPS salutes Captain Potgieter for his heroism, bravery, professionalism, and dedication,” Dimpane said. “His actions are a reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated daily by members of the South African Police Service.”

Despite the success of the recovery, the outcome remains sobering.

The investigation into the missing man is ongoing, with authorities awaiting confirmation through DNA analysis.

Featured image credit: South African Police Service