Body of missing 21-year-old recovered after car plunged into Mpumalanga’s Crocodile River

The body believed to be that of missing 21-year-old Zenande Chiloane has been recovered from the Crocodile River near KaMagugu, outside Mbombela, after an extensive nine-day search operation, bringing a tragic end to the rescue mission.

Chiloane went missing more than a week ago when a vehicle carrying him and his friends, Vigo Godfrey and Tintswalo Khoza, plunged into the Crocodile River at KaMagugu, near Nelspruit in Mpumalanga.

The discovery was made on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, with police confirming that the body is believed to be that of Chiloane, the third victim linked to the incident.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the search teams and volunteers whose efforts led to the recovery.

“Their unwavering determination and commitment to provide closure to the affected family and loved ones never diminished throughout the operation,” Mkhwanazi said.

According to police, the search operation was hampered by challenging conditions and the constant threat posed by crocodiles and hippos inhabiting the river.

Despite the dangers, members of the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, SAPS K9 Unit, SAPS Illicit Mining Team, Mbombela Municipality, the Provincial Community Work Programme (CWP), the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Hlubi & Son Academy, Resq One, Divergent Ops, various church ministries and community volunteers continued the search.

“The team is being commended for the sterling efforts,” Mkhwanazi said, expressing his appreciation to all the role players who participated in the operation.

Police said the recovery operation may have come to an end, but investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing. A culpable homicide case has been opened, and investigations remain ongoing.