South African authorities are investigating whether human remains and sandals discovered inside a massive crocodile are linked to missing persons cases.
Authorities in Mpumalanga are investigating human remains discovered inside a giant crocodile during the search for missing businessman Gabriel Batista.
Batista, 59, disappeared after severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in northeastern South Africa. Search and rescue teams operating near the Komati River encountered a swollen crocodile lying motionless in the area and later neutralized the animal.
HUMAN REMAINS AND SANDALS RECOVERED
Officials said the crocodile, measuring approximately 4.5 meters in length and weighing around 500 kilograms, was suspected of attacking Batista. Human remains and six sandals were reportedly recovered from the animal’s stomach.
Police stated that Batista’s vehicle had been found abandoned last week on a low bridge covered by floodwaters.
POLICE INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE LINKS TO OTHER CASES
Authorities confirmed that forensic teams are now examining whether the sandals and human remains recovered from the crocodile could be connected to previous missing persons cases in the region.
No official identification of the remains has yet been announced.