20/05/2026
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Recent reports circulating on social media have raised concerns about a possible crocodile sighting in the Breede River near Bonnievale following recent flood events. Authorities want to clarify and reassure the public.
The concern is linked to a crocodile captive facility located near Bonnievale. We can confirm that this facility is duly registered with CapeNature and operates under a valid captivity permit. The facility underwent a compliance inspection in February 2026 as part of its permit renewal process and was found to meet all minimum requirements for such operations. The Breede River experienced peak flooding in the early hours of Wednesday, 13 May 2026 (approximately 3:00 a.m.). During this time, an on-site inspection was conducted at the facility, both while floodwaters were at their highest and again as they subsided. No crocodile escape incidents were observed, and importantly, the facilityβs containment infrastructure was not compromised by the flooding. On Thursday, 14 May 2026, a member of the public recorded a video from the R317 Lactalis bridge in Bonnievale, which was subsequently circulated on social media, claiming to depict a crocodile in the river. This led to a precautionary public safety warning issued by Langeberg Municipality on Friday, 15 May 2026.
CapeNature has since conducted a detailed review and analysis of the original video footage. The assessment could not confirm that the object visible in the floodwaters was a crocodile. Follow-up site observations, conducted after water levels receded, suggest a more likely explanation. The movement seen in the video appears to have been caused by partially submerged trees and vegetation being carried or swayed by strong currents. This created a sideways, undulating motion that may have resembled a swimming crocodile.
At this stage, there have been no further confirmed sightings or reports of crocodiles in the Breede River following the circulation of the video. This has been corroborated through ongoing communication with the Bonnievale SAPS station commander, who has confirmed that no additional incidents of this nature have been reported.
Authorities remain confident that there is no current evidence of crocodiles present in the river system in this area. The public is, however, encouraged to remain vigilant around floodwaters and to report any credible sightings to the relevant authorities.
We appreciate the publicβs concern and cooperation and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Issued by: Langeberg Municipality