Footage shows moment police officer retrieves crocodile containing human remains from river

A police captain has been commended for his bravery after he being lowered into crocodile-infested waters in search of a missing man.

Extraordinary footage shows how Captain Johan 'Pottie' Potgieter was suspended in the air while one of the reptiles - which had a belly full of human remains - dangled below him.

In what has been described as a 'highly dangerous and complex operation', he courageously retrieved the corpse of the crocodile while dozens of its cronies loitered below.

While hoisted to a SANPARKS helicopter, Potgieter was lowered into the Komati River in South Africa to secure the crocodile using a rope...which is hardly an average day at the office.

Take a look at this:

Potgieter was tasked with retrieving the crocodile corpse amid an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of a 59-year-old businessman, which took place last week.

He is believed to have been swept away by floodwater while trying to cross a low bridge in the area, as by the time emergency services arrived, he had vanished.

Colonel Mavela Masondo, the Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, said cops believe the powerful water likely forced the man into the Komati River and subsequently into the path of the crocodiles which call it home.

He told national broadcaster SABC that police had used 'drones and a helicopter' to search for him, before spotting a suspicious-looking crocodile.

Masondo said they 'obtained permission' to euthanise the reptile in question, before Potgieter was sent to retrieve it.

Cops monitored the killer croc with drones and a helicopter before sending Potgieter to retrieve it (South African Police Service)

DNA testing is currently underway to determine if the human remains found inside of it belong to the missing man.

The police captain who hoisted the croc up has also recounted his experience of the high-stakes operation, while revealing how they worked out which crocodile was likely responsible.

Explaining how he navigated the mission, Potgieter told the News24 website: "The sharp-end of a crocodile is not the best place to approach it."

He recalled how after assessing the crocodiles via drone footage, officers noticed some tell-tale signs that one of them had eaten recently.

"Besides having a massively full tummy, he didn't move around or try to slip into the river despite the noise of the drones and the chopper," the top cop said.

The crocodile - which measures a whopping 15ft in length and weighs 500kg - was then flown to the Kruger National Park.

Incredible footage captured the police captain's valiant efforts (South African Police Service)

Human remains were subsequently found inside its intestines, along with six different types of shoes.

Although this could suggest half a dozen other people might have gotten on the wrong side of the crocodile, Potgieter pointed out that the reptiles will 'eat or swallow anything'.

Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), praised the captain for his 'extraordinary bravery and selflessness'.

He said: "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 danger that could have cost him his life. SAPS salutes Captain Potgieter for his heroism, bravery, professionalism, and dedication.

"His actions are a reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated daily by members of the South African Police Service."