Police placed an unusual maneuver – by helicopter they transported a crocodile, in which the remains of a 59-year-old businessman were to be found. The whole action took place after a man was kidnapped by flood waters over the Komati River in southern Africa.
What happened?
Police transported a crocodile helicopter inside of which the body of a 59-year-old businessman was found.
Local police in South Africa say that after observing an animal from drones, she suspected that a crocodile ate a man. The animal was then shot and transported by helicopter.
After landing on the ground, the crocodile was cut open and human remains were found in it.
The remains are believed to belong to 59-year-old Gabriel Batista, who had previously been kidnapped by boiling flood water.
Inside the animal, his ring and six other pairs of shoes were found, which, according to the authorities, may belong to other victims.
On Monday, Batista reportedly attempted to cross a flooded bridge to reach his hotel and bar, but he and his truck were kidnapped by water.
He was then lifted down the river, where crocodiles waited for the victims. It is unclear whether Batista was already dead when he was eaten, but the authorities believe that some of his remains may have been eaten by other crocodiles.
The case began in late April 2026 when a 59-year-old businessman from Gauteng Province attempted to cross a flooded bridge on the Komati River. The strong current took water and later only an empty car – Ford Ranger – was found standing in the water.
Police quickly concluded that a man could have been kidnapped by waves and disappeared in a deep, crocodile-filled river.
South Africa | The body of a 59-year-old businessman from Komatipoort was found. The pickup driver was kidnapped by the Komati river current on April 27, 2026.
During the search, police shot a large crocodile in the Komati River, and human remains were found inside it.
📷:DeejayMasila
Helicopter, crocodile and dangerous maneuver
To solve the case, officers decided to check the hypothesis that a businessman's body might be in the body of one of the crocodiles.
Using a helicopter, a policeman was lowered on a line straight into the river to pull out one of the larger reptiles who was suspected of having swallowed the body.
What was discovered in the crocodile?
After catching the crocodile and transporting it by helicopter to Kruger National Park, specialists made a section.
His intestines were found fragments of human remains and several pairs of shoesWhich led to the suspicion that it was the body of a missing businessman.
The biological material has been secured for DNA tests to finally confirm the identity of the victim.
Police felt that a standard search of the riverbed would be very difficult, and crocodiles could swallow the body still in water.
What this means for missing families
For the next 59-year-old, DNA testing may be the key to finally confirming that it is indeed his remains.
