South African Authorities Airlift and Euthanize Crocodile Suspected in Businessman's Death

Authorities in South Africa conducted a high-risk operation over the weekend, airlifting a large crocodile suspected of killing a local resident.

South African Police Service said the effort followed the disappearance last month of 59-year-old businessman Gabriel Batista from Gauteng. He owned the Border Country Inn near the river, according to local media outlet Smile FM.

A specialized task force located the reptile Saturday along the Komati River. Officials euthanized it and removed it from the area. Examination revealed human remains in its digestive system.

Video of the operation circulated widely on social media. It showed personnel using a helicopter to hoist the crocodile from the water.

Batista went missing late last month when his Ford Ranger got stuck at a flooded river crossing in crocodile-infested waters, police said. State media SABC News reported the vehicle was swept away as he tried to cross the bridge.

After a weeklong search, the team spotted a large crocodile nearby that they suspected attacked and ate the victim. Officials monitored it for days and noted signs of a recent large meal, including extended inactivity, South African outlet ENCA said.

"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."

With proper permissions, authorities euthanized the animal. Potgieter then worked in extremely dangerous conditions, lowered from a helicopter into crocodile-infested waters. Crews secured it with a rope, lifted it out and airlifted it away, SAPS said.

During examination, officials found human remains and six pairs of sandals in the crocodile's stomach, SABC News reported. The remains went for DNA testing to confirm the victim's identity.

It is unclear if the shoes belong to missing residents or villagers in the area.