South African Authorities Airlift Large Crocodile in Connection with Local Disappearance Investigation

Over the weekend, South African authorities embarked on a daring recovery mission to airlift a large crocodile believed to have consumed a local resident.

This operation was initiated following the mysterious disappearance of a 59-year-old businessman from Gauteng last month, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Local media outlet Smile FM revealed the individual as Gabriel Batista, who owned the Border Country Inn, situated not far from the river.

A specialized team managed to locate the crocodile on Saturday by the Komati River. The reptile was euthanized and subsequently extracted from the area, officials stated. Examination of the animal revealed human remains in its stomach.

The operation, captured on video, quickly gained traction on social media. Footage shows the dramatic scene of the massive crocodile being hoisted out of the water by a helicopter.

During the aerial removal, a wildlife expert is seen suspended alongside the lifeless crocodile. (Image courtesy of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Mpumalanga Provincial Office)

According to the police, the local businessman went missing late last month after his Ford Ranger became stranded at 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.

Following a weeklong search, the team reportedly identified a large crocodile nearby that they believed may have attacked and consumed the victim. 

According to officials who monitored the reptile for several days, the reptile appeared to show signs it had recently fed, including prolonged periods of inactivity, South African outlet ENCA said.

A massive crocodile was spotted near a river in South Africa. (Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Mpumalanga Provincial Office)

“During the search, we saw that this particular crocodile was only about 150 meters away from where the person had washed off the bridge. This crocodile stayed there the whole time. When the helicopter went over it, it wouldn’t move away,” SAPS Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter said.

“We know from experience that if crocodiles have had a big meal, they’re not very active, and need to lie in the sun for their digestive system to start working.”

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

It was then secured with a rope, hoisted from the water, and airlifted away, SAPS said.

Authorities used a helicopter to transport a massive crocodile from a river in South Africa. (Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Mpumalanga Provincial Office)

During the examination, officials reportedly discovered human remains, as well as six pairs of sandals inside 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 any missing residents or villagers in the area.