Remains believed to belong to missing SANDF member found

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC DETAILS

Human remains believed to be those of the missing South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member has been found in the Nkomazi River between South Africa and Mozambique.

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga said a fisherman discovered a human head floating in a remote section of the river.

The discovery follows an incident on Christmas Day where two SANDF members were swept away by floodwaters during an operation corona patrol - which seeks to safeguard the country's land, air and maritime borders.

One body was recovered the day after Christmas.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Donald Mdhluli, said they are yet to identify the remains recovered from the river.

“We are not 100% sure whether these remains are of the SANDF member. However, DNA tests will be conducted to determine the identity. So, for now, the search will be temporarily suspended, only to be continued tomorrow - which is Tuesday 30 December.”