The search for a man who allegedly entered a dam while trying to evade arrest for illegal fishing in the Kruger National Park has ended in tragedy after human remains were discovered in the water.

South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed on Thursday that the remains were found at Mestel Dam in the Pretoriuskop section of the Kruger National Park following an intensive search operation that lasted several days.

The incident began in the early hours of August 28 when field rangers intercepted four people allegedly involved in illegal net fishing.

According to SANParks, three of the individuals complied with the rangers’ instructions and were safely taken into custody.

However, the fourth person allegedly entered Mestel Dam in an attempt to evade arrest.

Rangers immediately recognised the danger posed by the water and launched a rescue operation to locate the man.

The search continued for days, with teams searching both inside the park and beyond its boundaries in an effort to find him.

The operation ended tragically on August 31 when monitoring rangers spotted human remains in the water.

The deceased was recovered shortly afterwards with assistance from emergency services and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said the discovery had brought a tragic end to the search operation.

“The loss of a life under these circumstances is a profound tragedy that weighs heavily on everyone involved,” SANParks said in its statement.

The organisation expressed its condolences to the deceased’s family and the wider community as they come to terms with the loss.

SANParks also praised the rescue teams involved in the search, which continued for several days under difficult circumstances.

“The hearts of SANParks go out to the family and community navigating this painful loss,” the organisation said.

It also expressed gratitude to the rescue personnel and rangers who took part in what it described as a gruelling search.

The circumstances surrounding the death remain subject to a formal investigation.

SAPS has taken over the investigation and will also lead the forensic identification process to establish the identity of the deceased.

The identification process is expected to provide the family with definitive confirmation and assist authorities in determining the circumstances surrounding the death.

The incident has again highlighted the dangers faced by both law enforcement personnel and members of the public during operations in the Kruger National Park.

Illegal fishing, including the use of nets, is prohibited in the park, which is home to a vast network of rivers, dams and other water sources.

The park’s field rangers are responsible for protecting wildlife and enforcing conservation laws, often operating in challenging conditions.

SANParks has not released the identity of the deceased pending the completion of the forensic identification process.

It is also yet to provide further details on the identities or legal status of the other three people who were intercepted during the operation.

The investigation by SAPS is continuing.

SANParks said previous media statements and information relating to the park can be accessed through its official channels.