Crocodile attacks 29-year-old in Lake Panic.
Stefan de Villiers & Lowveld Media digital team | 4 December 2014 09:15
SKUKUZA – A golfer was killed by a 3.9m long crocodile on the Skukuza Golf Course Wednesday 23:00.
According to WO Oubaas Coetzer, spokesperson for the Skukuza SAPS, it is reported that Jacques Van der Sandt and a friend jumped into Lake Panic, which apparently runs through the nine-hole golf course, a few times. After about the fourth time, the crocodile, which was allegedly visible earlier the day, put its jaws around Van der Sandt’s chest and dragged him under water.
A search for Van der Sandt was launched during the night. A field ranger eventually spotted the 3.9m crocodile and its victim upstream and shot it. Van der Sandt had bite marks on his chest and was dead on the ranger’s arrival.
According to Coetzer, Van der Sandt and fellow golfers were at the Skukuza Golf Club’s club house when the incident occurred at about 23:00 on Wednesday December 3.
The club house is situated at the 10th hole, while the bridge from which Van der Sandt is said to have entered the water is at the club’s signature hole, number 9 (a par 3 of about 150m), which is played across Lake Panic.
The 29-year-old had apparently been visiting his parents who reside in Skukuza and had played a club challenge there earlier in the day.