Crocodile kills golfer in Kruger National Park

04 December 2014 - 11:50 By Times LIVE
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A Crocodile. File photo
A Crocodile. File photo
Image: Bruce Gorton

A 3.9 meter crocodile killed a golfer on the Skukuza Golf Course according to a report.

The Lowvelder reports that 29-year-old Jacques van der Sandt fell victim to the crocodile last night at 23:00.

He and a friend had apparently jumped into Lake Panic, which runs through the golf course, a few times WO Oubaas Coetzer, spokesperson for the Skukuza SAPS told the local newspaper.

A crocodile was seen in the river earlier that day.

When they jumped in for the fourth time, the a crocodile bit van der Sandt’s chest and dragged him under water.

"These animals are not in good condition as they have just come out of hibernation," SA National Parks disease ecologist Dr Danny Govender said in a joint statement.

"The animal was doing what naturally comes to them; hunting for food and unfortunately a life was lost in the process."

A field ranger eventually spotted the crocodile and his victim upstream and shot it but it was too late for van der Sandt, who was dead on the ranger's arrival.

"It is an unfortunate incident where a promising life was cut short; our condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim," KNP general manager of conservation management Dr Freek Venter said.

"Investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances as it was an unnatural death. It is now an SAPS matter and SANParks will conclude its own internal investigation."

Van der Sandt was the son of retired staff member Schalk and staff member Lorretha van der Sandt. The couple had been working in the park since 1992.

- With additional reporting from Sapa

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