Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), has praised Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter for his remarkable bravery during a risky operation at the Komati River.
During the mission, Captain Potgieter was airlifted by a SANParks helicopter into waters known to be inhabited by crocodiles, where he managed to attach a rope to a euthanised crocodile under perilous circumstances.
Following this, the crocodile was carefully lifted and relocated, enabling authorities and specialists to retrieve human remains found within its intestines. The remains have been sent for DNA testing to ascertain if they belong to a missing individual.
Dimpane acknowledged Potgieter’s willingness to put his safety on the line while performing his duties.
“Captain Potgieter’s willingness to place his own life at risk, going far beyond the call of duty, reflects the unwavering commitment of SAPS members to serve and protect, even in the face of peril,” said Dimpane.
