Croc victim’s remains recovered after 15-foot animal is caught and airlifted from river
The remains of South African hotel owner Gabriel Batista, 59, were found inside a 15-foot crocodile after he was swept away in floodwaters of the Komati River. Rescue teams tracked the crocodile for days before killing it and recovering Batista's remains during a dramatic airlift operation. Shockingly, the crocodile's stomach also contained at least six pairs of shoes not belonging to Batista, prompting further investigation into other possible victims.
- ▪Gabriel Batista was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile after being swept away in the Komati River during flooding.
- ▪The 15-foot crocodile suspected of the attack was airlifted from the river after being found with a swollen stomach and signs of recent feeding.
- ▪Inside the crocodile's stomach, authorities found human remains, a ring belonging to Batista, and at least six pairs of shoes not linked to him.
- ▪Captain Johan Potgieter of the South African Police Service participated in the operation by being lowered onto the crocodile to secure a harness.
- ▪DNA testing is ongoing, and investigators are examining whether the shoes can be traced to other missing persons.
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World News Croc victim’s remains recovered after 15-foot animal is caught and airlifted from river By Jamie Pyatt and Emily Crane Published May 4, 2026, 10:51 a.m. ET The remains of a missing South African hotel boss have been found inside the swollen body of a 15-foot crocodile after it was airlifted in a daring operation. Gabriel Batista, 59, is believed to have been snapped up in the croc-infested Komati River when he was swept away in raging floodwaters last week. Rescue crews spent days tracking the suspected man-eater before killing it in a desperate attempt to recover the businessman’s remains. 8 The killer crocodile is seen being airlifted.
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