South African police airlift massive crocodile suspected of eating missing local

[mystery-ak]

South African police airlift massive crocodile suspected of eating missing local

Authorities tracked the reptile for days along the Komati River after the victim reportedly vanished at a flooded crossing

By Bonny Chu Fox News
Published May 5, 2026 9:50pm EDT

Authorities in South Africa carried out a high-risk recovery operation over the weekend, airlifting a massive crocodile suspected of eating a local resident.

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

A specialized task force eventually tracked down the reptile Saturday along the Komati River, where it was euthanized and removed from the area, officials reported. Upon examination, they said human remains were discovered in its digestive system.

The operation was also captured on camera and has since spread widely on social media, showing personnel hoisting the massive crocodile from the water by helicopter.


A wildlife specialist dangles alongside a euthanized crocodile during an aerial relocation in South Africa. (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.



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[berdie]

There are many ways I really prefer not to "go". Eaten by croc, although it infers I was doing something pretty exciting, is in my top five of no!

[roamer_1]

There are many ways I really prefer not to "go". Eaten by croc, although it infers I was doing something pretty exciting, is in my top five of no!

I might point out that there ain't no crocs or gators in Montana.
Juuuusayin. 

[berdie]

I might point out that there ain't no crocs or gators in Montana.
Juuuusayin. 

At one time there were alligators in my lake. Stupid people releasing them. Then they were gone. Hunters do good things. 

[Smokin Joe]

I might point out that there ain't no crocs or gators in Montana.
Juuuusayin. 

Well, the gators just look different:


And if you've been in a WalMart you've likely seen these, in one color or another:



(I don't own either one)

[roamer_1]

Well, the gators just look different:

Nope. JD shoulda called em pigs. They don't move and they don't last up in here. All our buggys are Polaris or Kawasaki, with an occasional CanAM.

Ain't seen a JD in a long, long time. 

And if you've been in a WalMart you've likely seen these, in one color or another:



(I don't own either one)

Aw hell no, now! 

[roamer_1]

At one time there were alligators in my lake. Stupid people releasing them. Then they were gone. Hunters do good things. 

Yes they do. 

[Smokin Joe]

Nope. JD shoulda called em pigs. They don't move and they don't last up in here. All our buggys are Polaris or Kawasaki, with an occasional CanAM.

Ain't seen a JD in a long, long time. 

Aw hell no, now! 

I agree, the Gators saw a brief tenure on a coupe of farms, but the last one I saw was a six wheeler doing the rough duty of carrying a couple of kids around the neighborhood. It's been a while since it was around.

As for those shoe thingies, Awww Hell No! I wouldn't be caught dead in them.

[verga]

At one time there were alligators in my lake. Stupid people releasing them. Then they were gone. Hunters do good things. 

IIRC there are stories about alligators in the sewers of NYC.

[Wingnut]

IIRC there are stories about alligators in the sewers of NYC.

There were.  But C.H.U.D took care of them