Businessman Feared Dead After Drowning in Crocodile-Infested Komati River

A 59-year-old businessman is believed to have drowned in the Komati River near Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, in an incident that has once again highlighted the dangers of the river.

Image by Nhlamulo Mabasa

The Komati River, which runs through the lowveld near the Mozambique border, is widely known for its strong currents and the presence of crocodiles, making it one of the more hazardous waterways in the region.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the incident remain unclear, but authorities are expected to investigate as search and recovery efforts continue.

This is not the first tragedy linked to the river. In December 2025, two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were swept away in the same river, raising ongoing concerns about safety in the area.

The latest incident has renewed fears about the risks associated with the Komati River, particularly for those who enter or operate near its waters.

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