South African police airlift enormous crocodile suspected of eating missing local

(SeaPRwire) –   South African authorities conducted a high-risk recovery mission over the weekend, airlifting a large crocodile suspected of having consumed a local resident.

The operation followed the disappearance last month of a 59-year-old businessman from Gauteng, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Local media Smile FM identified him as Gabriel Batista, owner of the Border Country Inn situated just a short drive from the river.

A specialized task force ultimately located the reptile on Saturday along the Komati River, where it was euthanized and removed from the area, officials announced. During the examination, human remains were found within its digestive system.

The entire operation was recorded on camera and has since gained widespread attention on social media, showing personnel lifting the massive crocodile from the water using a helicopter.

According to police, the local businessman went missing late last month after his Ford Ranger became stranded at a flooded low-lying river crossing near waters infested with crocodiles.

State broadcaster SABCNews reported that the vehicle was carried away as he attempted to cross the bridge.

Following a weeklong search effort, the team reportedly pinpointed a large crocodile in the vicinity that they believed may have attacked and eaten the victim.

Officials who monitored the reptile for several days observed signs indicating it had recently fed, including extended periods of inactivity, according to South African news outlet ENCA.

“During the search, we observed that this particular crocodile was only about 150 meters away from where the person had washed off the bridge. The crocodile remained there throughout. When the helicopter flew overhead, it did not move away,” SAPS Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter stated.

“From our experience, we know that if crocodiles have had a substantial meal, they tend to be less active and need to bask in the sun for their digestion to begin.”

After obtaining the necessary permissions, authorities euthanized the animal under “extremely dangerous conditions,” with Potgieter being lowered into crocodile-infested waters from a helicopter.

He then secured the crocodile with a rope, hoisted it from the water, and facilitated its airlift, as reported by SAPS.

During the post-mortem examination, officials reportedly uncovered human remains, as well as six pairs of sandals inside the animal’s stomach, according to SABC News.

The recovered remains have been sent for DNA testing to confirm the victim’s identity.

It remains unclear whether the shoes are connected to any other missing residents or villagers in the area.