Kruger National Park double murder: Two suspects arrested in Mozambique
Police made the breakthrough following weeks of investigations into the murder of a Mossel Bay couple, whose bodies were discovered in the Kruger National Park.
The victims, 73-year-old Dina and 71-year-old Ernst Marais, were found dead on Friday, 22 May 2026.
Their bodies were discovered floating at Cross Corner along the banks of the Levubu River near the Limpopo River inside the national park.
According to the police, the couple entered the park on the 17th of May and were reported missing three days later after failing to return to the Pafuri campsite.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Ernst suffered stab wounds to the upper body, while Dina sustained severe upper-body injuries caused by a sharp object.
READ: SANParks tightens security after fatal Pafuri incident in Kruger National Park
Police also confirmed that the green Ford Ranger double cab, believed to have been used by the victims, was missing.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the arrests were effected through coordinated cross-border investigations conducted by the South African Police Service, Mozambican law enforcement authorities, SANParks, and other role players.
"Two Mozambican nationals aged 32 and 33 have been arrested in Mozambique in connection with the murders and positively linked to the crime."
He further said the suspects were positively identified following the recovery of the couple's stolen vehicle.
"The vehicle was recovered in Chokwe, Mozambique, on 26 May 2026. The recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chokwe on Monday, 1 June 2026. The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province, on Tuesday, 2 June 2026."
The suspects are expected to appear today in Maputo, Mozambique, facing two counts of murder and hijacking.
Mashaba said additional charges may be added as investigations continue.
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Meanwhile, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Willie Aucamp has welcomed the arrests.
"We said these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened. I would like to thank all those who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively from the onset to secure this breakthrough."
He further said the government would begin the formal extradition process to get the suspects to South Africa to stand trial for this heinous crime.
"I have engaged with my colleagues in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Justice to emphasize the importance of securing the suspects' return to South Africa to face the full might of the law".
Aucamp reiterated that criminal activity would not be tolerated in South Africa's national parks and called on communities and law enforcement agencies to continue working together to safeguard these protected areas.
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