News24 | Police recover remains of Limpopo 'prophet' who vanished in crocodile-infested river

A search team found the prophet's remains on Tuesday.

• A Limpopo 'prophet' died after he vanished in a crocodile-infested river on Sunday.
• Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the man was performing a baptism ceremony with two others when it is suspected crocodiles attacked him.
• The police's Water Unit and Emergency Services recovered the man's remains on Tuesday.

A Limpopo "prophet" died after vanishing in a crocodile-infested river during a prayer session on Sunday. 

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the 48-year-old "prophet" from Atok, in the Apel district, was with two others when he disappeared in the river.

"It is suspected that crocodiles attacked him during the baptism ceremony," he said.

Ledwaba said other prophets who initially searched for the man later alerted the police's Water Wing Unit and Emergency Services when they could not find him. 

Ledwaba said the search team found the prophet's remains on Tuesday.

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"On Tuesday at approximately 15:00, human remains belonging to the deceased were discovered, surrounded by crocodiles; search teams successfully retrieved his body."

Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, said the incident was unfortunate. He also warned religious leaders and residents against practising religious practices in rivers, dams or streams. 

"He reiterated that communities should exercise great caution during rainy seasons and be mindful not to put their lives at risk by entering rivers, dams or streams without first considering possible dangers posed by wild animals," said Ledwaba.