The couple who were found murdered in the northern regions of the Kruger National Park were not international tourists, but rather a retired couple from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.
Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife Dina Marais, 73, were discoveredon Friday, 22 May, in the Pafuri section of the park after an extensive search operation.
Failed to return to camp
According to Limpopo police, the couple had entered the Kruger National Park on Sunday, 17 May, and were last seen at the Pafuri picnic site on Wednesday morning, 20 May.
Concern grew when they failed to return to camp, prompting SANParks officials to launch a search on Thursday evening.
Their bodies were later discovered near Crooks Corner, at the intersection of the Levubu River and Limpopo River – a remote region where the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet – by fellow tourists, who alerted park rangers.
Preliminary investigations indicate both victims sustained stab wounds to the upper body.
Police have since opened two murder cases and a hijacking investigation, as the couple’s vehicle – a green Ford Ranger double cab – remains missing.
Investigation ongoing
Limpopo police spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba confirmed the investigation is underway, while SANParks said rangers and emergency teams had worked throughout the search.
SANParks spokesperson Reynold Thakuli said authorities initially suspected the couple may have become stranded due to recent flooding in the north of the park.
“Many of the roads are still closed and we had more rain just last week. We even deployed a helicopter on Friday morning, but could not find the couple,” Thakuli said.
The couple, believed to have residences in both Mossel Bay and a wildlife estate in Hoedspruit, had reportedly been due to return home on Friday.
‘Tragic’
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp described the incident as tragic and confirmed that SANParks would continue cooperating with the South African Police Service investigation.
“It is the first time in the history of the Kruger National Park that an incident of this nature has been reported,” Aucamp said.
SANParks said it would assist the family with transport, accommodation and repatriation costs during the difficult period.
Police have urged anyone with information related to the case to contact authorities as investigations continue.
READ | Kruger National Park readies itself for winter fire season
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Ndou, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit anonymous tips through the MySAPS app.
