The South African Police Services Search and Rescue Team successfully recovered two bodies from the Crocodile River near Kamagugu in Nelspruit on Sunday, 7 June 2026, as investigations continue into the tragic incident.
The deceased have been identified as a 20-year-old man and a young woman estimated to be between 18 and 23 years old. The male victim was positively identified by family members, while the woman’s identity has not yet been confirmed.
Police said a family believed to be connected to the female victim has been located and is expected to assist with the identification process.
The bodies were discovered trapped inside a white SUV submerged in the river. Rescue teams used specialised equipment, including the Jaws of Life, to retrieve the victims from the vehicle.
As officers prepared to leave the scene, another family approached police and reported that their son had allegedly been travelling in the same vehicle. According to relatives, he has not returned home and efforts to contact him by cellphone have been unsuccessful.
The family fears he may be the third occupant of the vehicle and remains missing in the river.
The SAPS Search and Rescue Team may continue operations in the area as authorities investigate the possibility of a third victim.
A case of culpable homicide has been opened, and investigations are ongoing.
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