A 59-year-old man who went missing after his Ford Ranger was partially swept off a bridge in Komatipoort on April 27 has been identified as Gabriel Batista.

ALSO READ: Float of crocodiles hinders search for missing man in Komatipoort

He is the owner of Border Country Inn and reportedly lives in Gauteng.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said DNA tests are being conducted to confirm whether the human remains found in a crocodile belong to Batista.

ALSO READ: DNA tests pending on human remains found in Komatipoort crocodile

According to Captain Pottie Potgieter of the Ehlazeni Diving Unit, the deceased is believed to have drowned and was later consumed by a crocodile.

Potgieter has since been praised by acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane for his bravery during one of his most dangerous search-and-rescue missions.

ALSO READ: National SAPS commissioner hails Mpumalanga’s diving unit captain for bravery

This is a developing story.

Lowvelder will update readers as more information becomes available.