Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Police divers have recovered the third body linked to a Haval SUV that crashed into the Crocodile River just over a week ago.
The car was found submerged in the Crocodile River, in Mpumalanga, on 7 June 2026. Two bodies were found inside.
They were later identified as Godfrey Khoza and Vigo Khoza.
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Family members alerted police that a third person, whom they named as 21-year-old Zinande Chiloane, had been in the vehicle.
Apart from divers, police also used drones to search for the missing man in the crocodile-infested river.
Even though his cellphone was found in the car, he remained missing until today, Youth Day, 16 June 2026, when police found his body.
“The third victim was found on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, at about three kilometres away from the spot where the car and two other victims were found,” said South African Police Service (SAPS) Mpumalanga spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
“The members from the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit have been working tirelessly since the day the incident was reported.
“The body was positively identified by the family as Zenande Chiloane.”
Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to all role players who demonstrated exceptional commitment, resilience, and dedication during the extensive search and recovery operation.
“Despite challenging conditions and the ever-present dangers posed by crocodiles and hippos in the river, members of the search teams remained steadfast in their mission to locate the third victim,” said Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi .
“The efforts took about nine days, and their unwavering determination as well as commitment to provide closure to the affected family and loved ones never diminished throughout the operation.”
