Authorities in South Africa carried out a high-risk recovery operation this weekend, airlifting a huge crocodile suspected of eating a local resident.
The operation followed the disappearance last month of a 59-year-old Gauteng businessman, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said. Local media Smile FM identified him as Gabriel Batista, the owner of the Border Country Inn, a short drive from the river.
A specialized task force finally tracked down the reptile along the Komati River on Saturday, where it was euthanized and removed from the area, officials said. Upon examination, they said human remains were discovered in the digestive system.
The operation was too captured on camera and has since spread widely on social media, with staff seen hoisting the huge crocodile out of the water by helicopter.
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A wildlife specialist dangles next to a euthanized crocodile during an aerial relocation in South Africa. (Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) Mpumalanga Provincial Office)
According to police, the local businessman went missing late last month after his Ford Ranger became stranded on a flooded, low-lying river crossing near crocodile-infested waters.
State media SABCNews reported that the vehicle was swept away as he attempted to cross the bridge.
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After a week-long search, the team reportedly identified a large crocodile nearby that they believed had attacked and eaten the victim.
According to officials who monitored the reptile for several days, it appeared the reptile was showing signs that it had recently fed, including extended periods of inactivity, South African outlet ENCA said.
A huge crocodile was spotted near a river in South Africa. (Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) Mpumalanga Provincial Office)
“During the search we noticed that this particular crocodile was only about 150 meters away from where the person was washed off the bridge. This crocodile stayed there the entire time. When the helicopter went over it would not leave,” said SAPS Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter.
“We know from experience that when crocodiles have had a large meal, they are not very active and need to lie in the sun to keep their digestive systems working.”
After authorities euthanized the animal with appropriate permission, Potgieter operated under “extremely dangerous conditions,” being lowered from a helicopter into crocodile-infested waters.
It was then secured with a rope, lifted out of the water and airlifted away, SAPS said.
Authorities used a helicopter to transport a huge crocodile from a river in South Africa. (Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) Mpumalanga Provincial Office)
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During the investigation, officials reportedly discovered human remains, as well as six pairs of sandals in the animal’s stomach, SABC News reported.
The remains have been submitted for DNA testing to confirm the victim’s identity.
It remains unclear whether the shoes are linked to missing residents or villagers in the area.
