Search for missing SANDF soldier in Mpumalanga called off

FILE | SAPS search and rescue vehicle.

The police operation to search for the remains of the soldier who went missing in the Komati River in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, has been called off on day six of the search.

The 33-year-old soldier and his 39-year-old colleague were swept away by the crocodile-infested river while trying to cross a low-lying bridge towards the Lebombo Border Post on Christmas Day.

The first body was recovered a day after the incident.

Some remains, believed to be those of the missing soldier, were discovered on the border between Mozambique and South Africa two days ago.

The remains are currently being processed at Tonga Hospital to determine the identity.

Provincial Police Spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says, “We have tried our resources in trying to find the other body parts; however it seems as if there’s is nothing that we could find. There are possibilities that he could’ve been eaten by crocodiles. So, we want to thank everyone that has participated in this.”