Suspect’s body found among crocodiles

The decomposed and partially eaten body of a suspect in an attempted farm attack was found on the bank of the Nseleni River last Monday by Empangeni SAPS Search and Rescue. The body had to be retrieved from a float of about eight crocodiles that were guarding the remains. According to SAPS spokesperson, Capt Mbongeni Mdlalose, the unknown man allegedly attacked a farm labourer in his room the previous week on Duzi farm. ‘He allegedly claimed to be the owner of the farm labourer’s room. ‘The labourer’s employer came to his assistance and they attempted to subdue the man who was wielding a knife, eventually shooting at him. ‘The man ran away and attempted to swim across the Nseleni River to escape. ‘According to witnesses he immediately disappeared below the surface of the water.’ Police searched the river for over a week before locating the body. The identity of the deceased has yet to be confirmed. ‘An identity document was found in a bag believed to belong to the suspect, but because of the body’s disfigured state police have been unable to confirm his identity. Police are appealing to the next of kin of Nkosikhona Mabaso (24) to contact Capt Clerment Cebekhulu on 083 6567355.