The Limpopo Police are on a manhunt following the discovery of an elderly Mossel Bay couple, Dina (73) and Ernst Marais (71), in a river on Friday, May 22. They had multiple stab wounds.
Image: AI/ Cape Times
In a tragic blight for South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, ministers express outrage over the killings of tourists, calling for strengthened safety measures in a country renowned for its wildlife heritage.
The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment have expressed deep condolences following the tragic deaths of two tourists whose bodies were discovered near a river in the Pafuri section of the Kruger National Park. The incident has sent shockwaves through South Africa, especially given the park's reputation as a premier wildlife destination.
The bodies of a retired Mossel Bay couple, Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife Dina, 73, were discovered in a crocodile-infested river in the Kruger National Park on Friday.
The couple, residents of the Fynbos Heights retirement village, had been on a short getaway to the park when they were allegedly intercepted by a group of suspected rhino poachers.
According to a leaked internal security report, the suspects tied the couple’s hands behind their backs before repeatedly stabbing them in the upper body.
The victims' bodies were subsequently dragged to the banks of the Levubu River at Crooks’ Corner and dumped into the water near its confluence with the Limpopo River, an area known for high Nile crocodile activity.
Police spokesperson Lt-Col Hlulani Mashaba said: “Preliminary investigations revealed that the male deceased sustained stab wounds to the upper body, while the female deceased also suffered severe wounds to the upper body allegedly inflicted with a sharp object."
The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment have expressed condolences following the tragic deaths of two tourists whose bodies were discovered near a river in the Pafuri section of the Kruger National Park.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille extended her sympathies to the family and friends of the South African couple.
“The safety of all travellers is of utmost importance to the tourism industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims,” said de Lille.
She added that the tourism sector continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen tourist safety across the country.
The minister also urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police, who have launched an investigation.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp strongly condemned the killings, describing the incident as shocking and unprecedented.
“This should never happen in our country and should never happen in Kruger National Park,” said Aucamp.
He confirmed that he had met with the chief executive officer of South African National Parks as well as the SANParks board chairperson to ensure the victims’ family receives support and that authorities fully cooperate with the police investigation.
According to SANParks, the couple’s bodies were discovered on Friday, May 22.
The organisation described the incident as the first of its kind in the park’s 100-year history.
Family members reportedly told officials that the couple was regular visitors to Kruger National Park who strictly followed park rules and would never knowingly place themselves in danger by leaving their vehicle in a prohibited area.
Investigators have confirmed that security cameras at the park’s gates showed the missing vehicle had not exited through any of the park’s nine access gates or the two international border posts into Mozambique.
SANParks rangers also discovered tyre tracks near the crime scene, which appear to show a vehicle travelling through the bush, crossing a fence and heading into Mozambique.
However, authorities said there is currently no confirmation that the tracks belong to the missing vehicle.
While the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to lead the investigation, SANParks has announced additional safety measures in the Nxanatseni North Region of the park.
The measures include deploying additional ranger and monitoring resources in identified high-risk areas, as well as improving surveillance and early warning technology systems.
SANParks said existing technology had already played a role in identifying the vehicle linked to the missing tourists.
The organisation added that it would continue investing in modern technology as part of its long-term strategy to combat poaching, illegal activities and improve visitor safety.
Despite the incident, SANParks emphasised that Kruger National Park remains a safe destination for tourists and staff, with extensive security protocols in place across the more than two-million-hectare conservation area.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to supporting police investigations, sharing verified information when available and ensuring the safety of visitors, employees and wildlife.
Out of respect for the victims’ family and to protect the integrity of the investigation, SANParks said no further comment would be made at this stage.