An enormous crocodile that was airlifted from a river in South Africa has been found to contain the body of a missing businessman. This incredible story has gone viral, garnering millions of views.
Gabriel Batista, aged 59, was last seen missing on April 27, 2026, after floodwaters washed away his Ford Ranger from a low water bridge on the Komati River in the vicinity of Komatipoort in the Mpumalanga province. Komatipoort is located near the boundary of Kruger National Park and Mozambique, an area of crocodile infested waters that can become lethal during floods.
Drones and helicopters were deployed by search teams from SAPS and SANParks, among other rescue teams, searching through the floodwaters of the river. A 15-feet long, weighing 500 kilograms or 1,100 pounds, unusually swollen stomach and immobile crocodile was sighted.
A tweet from X.
Authorities euthanized the animal from the air. Then came the high-risk part.
Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter, a police diver, was lowered by rope from a SANParks helicopter into the crocodile-infested waters. He secured the carcass while other crocs lurked nearby. The helicopter then airlifted both Potgieter and the massive reptile to a safer site near Kruger National Park.
Video of the operation shaky aerial footage showing the croc dangling from a long cable with Potgieter helping secure it exploded online. Posts by accounts like @DailyLoud racked up millions of views in days.
SAPS praised the move.
“The animal, which was already euthanized, was then safely lifted and relocated,”
They stated, calling it a
“highly dangerous and complex operation.”
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane highlighted Potgieter’s bravery.
Forensic experts, including Captain Joey Potgieter, examined the crocodile. They found human remains including two arms, parts of a rib cage, and chest flesh. A ring believed to belong to Batista was also recovered.
Six pairs of shoes of various types and sizes turned up too none matching Batista’s raising questions about whether this crocodile had eaten others before.
DNA testing is underway to formally confirm the remains are Batista’s. Officials are confident he was the only person reported missing in the area.
A spokesman for Batista’s Border Country Inn, which he owned, said:
“Gabriel was a lovely guy and a family man. He spent a lot of time up here and customers loved him.”
Clips spread quickly because the helicopter footage looks straight out of an action movie. But viral videos often lack context. This one is real and verified by outlets including the New York Post, BBC, Reuters, News24, and SAPS statements.
This tragedy highlights the serious risks of driving through flooded waters in wildlife-heavy areas. Crocodiles are opportunistic, especially after floods. For U.S. readers, it’s a reminder: never underestimate fast-moving water or assume safety near rivers abroad or even at home during storms.
The investigation continues as authorities await final DNA results and support Batista’s family.
