The search for a missing member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has entered a critical phase after human remains were discovered in the Komati River near the South Africa–Mozambique border.

According to an official update issued by Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, search and rescue operations have been under way since the SANDF member was reported missing. The multi-agency effort has involved the SANDF, South African Police Service (SAPS), SANParks, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and local Search and Rescue teams.

On 26 December 2025, SAPS divers recovered the lifeless body of one SANDF member from the Komati River in Komatipoort. On the same day, aerial search operations were intensified with helicopters deployed by SANParks and the SANDF. This was followed by a SAPS helicopter on 27 December, while an EMS helicopter continued aerial operations on Sunday, 28 December. Drones and other technological equipment were also used to support the search.

During operations on Saturday, 27 December, a SANDF bakkie was retrieved from the river. Two rifles, a mobile phone and other personal items were found inside the vehicle, but the missing SANDF member was not located at that stage. The search was temporarily suspended on Saturday evening and resumed on Sunday morning.

The local community has played a vital role in the operation. Notably, a community member assisted authorities by using a crane to help remove the SANDF vehicle from the river.

On Monday, 29 December 2025, as the search continued, a local fisherman alerted authorities to remains seen floating in the river. The remains were later confirmed to be those of a male person and were found near the borderline between Mozambique and South Africa.

Police have opened an inquest, and DNA tests will be conducted to confirm whether the remains are those of the missing SANDF member. The search has since been temporarily suspended and is expected to resume on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, pending further investigations.

Authorities have expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation between all role players and the support shown by the Komatipoort community during the operation.