Human remains believed to belong to 59-year-old businessman Gabriel Batista have been recovered from the intestines of a 4.5-meter crocodile in South Africa's Komati River, following a weeklong search and a high-risk police operation. The crocodile, weighing approximately 500 kilograms, was located, euthanized, and airlifted by helicopter after drone surveillance indicated it had recently consumed a large meal and showed abnormal immobility.

Authorities from SAPS Search and Rescue, SANParks, NatJoint, EMS, and Securecon conducted a field necropsy at a clearing near the river, where they discovered two severed arms with hands attached, part of a rib cage, and chest flesh. A ring believed to belong to Batista was found on one of the fingers, and police stated the remains are presumed to be his as he was the only person reported missing in the area during the flood event.

Batista was reported missing on April 28 after he was swept away from his vehicle while attempting to cross a low-lying bridge over the Komati River during heavy flooding; his Ford Ranger was recovered the following day. Police used drones for four days to monitor the crocodile's behavior, noting its distended abdomen and lack of movement despite aerial disturbances, which led to the decision to intervene.

Captain Johan "Pottie" Potgieter of SAPS was lowered by helicopter into crocodile-infested waters to secure the animal with a rope, surviving a dangerous recovery as the reptile spun mid-air during extraction. Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended Potgieter's actions, citing his bravery and commitment to duty under extreme risk.

DNA testing is currently underway to confirm the identity of the remains, and the South African Police Service has concluded its field operation; the investigation into the circumstances of Batista's death remains open.