Gabriel Batista Missing In Flood — Found Inside Crocodile With 6 Pairs Of Shoes

Police in South Africa shot and airlifted a crocodile suspected of consuming a 59-year-old businessman who was swept into floodwaters, authorities said.

When the reptile was sliced open on the ground, human remains believed to be those of Gabriel Batista were recovered, along with his ring and six other pairs of shoes that may belong to additional victims.

Batista reportedly attempted to drive across a flooded bridge on Monday to reach his hotel and bar when his vehicle was swept away. He was carried down the river where crocodiles were present. It remains unclear whether he drowned before being eaten, as reported by Collin Rugg on X.

Local police used drones to observe the crocodile before shooting it and airlifting the animal. Upon landing, officials performed a necropsy that confirmed the presence of human remains inside. Batista’s ring helped identify the remains.

The discovery of multiple pairs of shoes inside a single crocodile has raised concerns that the animal may have consumed the remains of other people swept away in similar flooding events in the region. Authorities believe additional crocodiles could have eaten some of Batista’s other remains.

Incidents involving crocodiles and humans are not uncommon in parts of South Africa, particularly during periods of heavy flooding when people and animals are displaced. Crocodiles are opportunistic predators that inhabit rivers and waterways in the country.

The event has drawn widespread attention on social media, with users reacting to the graphic details of the recovery operation and the presence of multiple shoes.

South African authorities have not released further details on potential other victims or ongoing searches as of Monday afternoon.