South Africa airlifts giant crocodile suspected of eating missing man
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Authorities in South Africa carried out a high-risk rescue operation over the weekend, hoisting a massive crocodile suspected of eating a local resident.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the operation followed the disappearance of a 59-year-old businessman in Gauteng last month. local media Smile FM He identified him as Gabriel Batista, owner of the Border Country Inn, a short drive from the river.
A special task force tracked the reptile along the Komati River on Saturday, where it was euthanized and removed from the area, officials said. They said that human remains were found in the digestive system during the examination.
The operation is also caught on camera Footage showing staff removing the massive crocodile from the water by helicopter was widely shared on social media.
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A wildlife expert swings next to a crocodile that was euthanized during an aerial relocation in South Africa. (Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) Mpumalanga Provincial Office)
The local businessman went missing late last month after his Ford Ranger became stranded in a flooded low-lying river crossing near crocodile-infested waters, according to police.
State media SABCNews reported It was stated that the vehicle was dragged while trying to cross the bridge.
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After a week-long search, the team reportedly spotted a large crocodile nearby, which they believe may have attacked and consumed the victim.
According to officials from South Africa’s ENCA, who observed the reptile for several days, the reptile appeared to show signs of recent feeding, including prolonged inactivity. in question.
A huge crocodile was spotted near a river in South Africa. (Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) Mpumalanga Provincial Office)
“During the search, we found that this particular crocodile was only 150 meters away from where the person flew off the bridge. This crocodile remained there the entire time. It was not moving away when the helicopter passed over it,” SAPS Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter said.
“We know from experience that if crocodiles have had a large meal, they are not very active and need to lie in the sun for their digestive systems to start working.”
After authorities euthanized the animal with the necessary permits, Potgieter was lowered from a helicopter into crocodile-infested waters and operated under “extremely dangerous conditions.”
It was then secured with a rope, pulled from the water and transported by air, SAPS said.
Authorities used a helicopter to transport a massive crocodile from a river in South Africa. (Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) Mpumalanga Provincial Office)
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During the examination, authorities reportedly found human remains as well as six pairs of sandals in the animal’s stomach, SABC News reported.
The remains were submitted for DNA testing to confirm the victim’s identity.
It is not yet known whether the shoes are linked to missing residents or villagers in the area.
