Authorities say human remains were discovered inside a giant Nile crocodile days after a local businessman vanished while trying to cross a flooded river.
A search for a missing South African businessman ended in horrifying fashion after police reportedly discovered human remains inside a massive crocodile pulled from the Komati River.
Gabriel Batista, 59, disappeared last week while attempting to cross the Komati River in northeastern South Africa. According to local authorities, his vehicle became stuck on a low-water bridge during dangerous river conditions, prompting emergency crews to respond.
When police arrived at the scene, Batista’s car was abandoned, and there was no sign of him, according to statements from Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo.
A large-scale search operation involving police divers, drones, and helicopters continued for four days before investigators spotted an unusually large Nile crocodile in the river. Officials said the reptile measured nearly 15 feet long and weighed around 1,100 pounds.
Authorities noticed the crocodile appeared sluggish and had a severely swollen stomach, raising suspicions among the search team. The animal was eventually shot from a helicopter and airlifted from the riverbank for examination.
A post-mortem later revealed human remains inside the crocodile’s stomach. Reports citing investigators said the remains included two arms, part of a rib cage, and fragments of flesh believed to belong to Batista. DNA testing is still underway to officially confirm the identity.
Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter, who led the police diving unit, said investigators recovered enough evidence to strongly suspect the crocodile had consumed the missing man.
“I don’t want to go into too much detail, but there was enough inside the stomach to lead us to believe the crocodile ate the missing man,” Potgieter reportedly said.
Authorities have not yet determined whether Batista drowned before the crocodile attack or whether the reptile directly caused his death.
Batista was well known in the region as the owner of the Border Country Inn and a nearby sports bar. Friends and customers described him as a respected businessman and devoted family man who spent much of his time in the area.
“Gabriel was a lovely guy and a family man,” one local spokesperson said. “Customers loved him.”
Family members have reportedly remained close to the search effort throughout the investigation but are waiting for official DNA confirmation before making public statements.
The incident has shocked the local community and renewed concerns about the dangers posed by crocodiles in parts of southern Africa, where Nile crocodiles are known to inhabit rivers and waterways. According to the African Conservation Foundation. Nile crocodiles are among Africa’s largest predators and are capable of attacking humans under certain conditions.
South Africa has recorded several fatal crocodile incidents over the years, particularly during flooding seasons when rivers become more dangerous and wildlife activity increases. Safety experts frequently warn motorists and pedestrians to avoid crossing flooded bridges and low-water crossings during heavy rains.
For Batista’s family and the surrounding community, the tragedy has left behind grief and unanswered questions as investigators await final forensic confirmation.
